Can the Crows win the premiership?

Yes. Their best footy is scintillating, they have lost only one game at home (to Geelong) and a relatively easy run home means a top-four spot is realistic.

Will the defence hold up in September?

The backline could struggle if Adelaide loses the midfield battle, particularly against teams with multiple attacking options such as Hawthorn, North Melbourne and GWS. Daniel Talia is elite, but as impressive as Jake Lever is, he's only 20, while Kyle Hartigan can be exposed.

How desperate should Adelaide be about keeping Josh Jenkins?

Sitting fourth in the Coleman Medal race means the out-of-contract former rookie is heading for a pay rise. There's no doubt the mobile big man is a valuable player, but with so many forward options at the Crows, he's not worth blowing up the salary cap for. - Dinny Navaratnam

Can they win enough games to quieten speculation on Justin Leppitsch's future?

They can, but on current form, it's unlikely. Four or five more wins and the questions cease, but finish 2-20 or 3-19 and the noise around Leppitsch's job will become deafening.

Will the leaders stand up to be counted?

Dayne Zorko has been good and Tom Rockliff serviceable when he's played, but Daniel Rich, Pearce Hanley and Daniel Merrett need to consistently excel to help their young team.

Will the Lions overpay to keep Lewy Taylor and Josh Green?

The club wants to keep the speedy duo, but they've put a high price tag on their signatures. There's only so much you can pay to keep small forwards, but sanity should prevail and the two parties should meet somewhere in the middle. - Michael Whiting

How many games can the Blues win?

Five of their remaining eight matches are at the MCG, but the next two are against top-eight teams. Their chances are better against the Saints, Demons and Bombers. Of their three interstate games, the Lions at the Gabba is the best hope.

How do they solve their problems in attack?

Levi Casboult and Andrejs Everitt have struggled to hit the scoreboard in the past month, so maybe it's time to give Liam Jones and Kristian Jaksch another chance, or push Patrick Cripps and his sizeable frame forward.

Is it time to find out who can and can't play at the elite level?

Yes. If they are fit and ready, let's have a look at last year's draftees Harry McKay and David Cuningham, and others such as Blaine Boekhorst, Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, Matthew Dick, Mark Whiley and Clem Smith. - Howard Kotton

Dillon Viojo-Rainbow is among the Blues waiting for an opportunity. Picture: AFL Media





What will be the fallout from a seven- to nine-win season?

If, as expected, the Pies win between one and three of their remaining eight games in a tough run home, there will be louder calls for coach Nathan Buckley's head. However, it would shock if he wasn't given the chance to lead for a contracted sixth season with his young, overhauled list.

What is Travis Cloke's playing future?

Assuming the Magpies haven't already made up their mind on the struggling 29-year-old key forward, much will depend on his output in the run home. Still has another year left on his big-money, five-year deal, but a trade is very much an option, particularly given the Pies' developing forward stocks.

What about 'Swanny'?

Sidelined champ Dane Swan says he'll push for a return this year while the finals are a possibility, but his prospects of playing on next year, when he'll be 33, appear remote. He's writing his autobiography – usually a sure sign of retirement plans – and, of course, there's the significant matter of overcoming the injury itself. - Ben Collins

Can the Bombers win another game?

Yes. Their main chance will come in round 18 against the Brisbane Lions, which could decide the wooden spoon. If Essendon plays like it did against Greater Western Sydney a couple of weeks ago, it should be able to beat the Lions at Etihad Stadium.

When will we see Aaron Francis?

This depends on who you ask. John Worsfold said a month ago that Francis would need solid VFL games to be in contention. The powerful top-10 pick has now got them under his belt. The club is keen to blood him, but not before he's ready.

What's Michael Hurley going to do?

There's no certainty around this one. Hurley is the most important of the group of suspended Bombers who are yet to recommit for next season once their bans end. The Bombers are hopeful he'll be back, but the longer it goes the more nervous Essendon supporters get. - Callum Twomey

What do the Dockers need to show late in the year to prove they can play finals in 2017?

The return of Fyfe, Sandilands, Bennell and Johnson won't guarantee anything. They are handy ins but the Dockers need to improve their ball movement and scoring power to compete next season.

Will the Dockers draft or trade?

They will draft and trade for picks. They are committed to the draft but they won't sell every asset they have because they need some experience to help the youth that comes in. Bennell will be like a new recruit for them and, if he returns to his best, a very useful one.

Is Cam McCarthy set to wear purple next year?

It seems highly likely. Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney have met this year to discuss his future. He is committed to living in Perth and the Dockers look the best fit. - Alex Malcolm

Can the Cats' emerging players step up?

Whichever way you look at it, Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood have carried the midfield for the past month. They are not the only ones to blame but Mitch Duncan, Steven Motlop and Mark Blicavs need to take more responsibility for the team's performances to ensure the Cats contend.

What is the right forward mix?

If Mitch Clark returns does he replace Rhys Stanley? Probably, which means Tom Hawkins needs to create contests too, so that Shane Kersten, Daniel Menzel, Lincoln McCarthy and Nakia Cockatoo can use their smarts at ground level to rattle opponents.

Will goalkicking accuracy cost them?

The Cats have had more scoring shots than their opponents in the past six games but lost three of them. Not only has it been an inability to kick straight – apart from one game – it has been a lack of poise inside 50 that has let them down. Get that right and they will be hard to stop. If not, the pill they swallow will be bitter. - Peter Ryan

Can Mitch Clark get back to his best with Geelong? Picture: AFL Media





Can the Suns prove they're top-eight material?

Finals are out of the question in 2016, but with players returning from injury and a favourable draw, Gold Coast should win a string of matches to show they've progressed under Rodney Eade.

Will Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia stay?

There's a lot to play out yet, but a storming finish to the season would help convince the pair the Suns' future is bright and worth sticking around for.

Can Tom Lynch win the Coleman Medal?

Probably not, but if the Suns start clicking, Lynch will get more opportunities to eat into Lance Franklin's nine-goal lead. Lynch should at least become the first Sun not named Ablett to win an All Australian berth. - Michael Whiting

Can GWS win the minor premiership?

Absolutely. With eight games to play, they only play two top-eight sides (West Coast and North Melbourne) on the run home. From there...

Can the Giants' key defenders stay on the park?

They have to if there's any chance of a GWS flag. Phil Davis, Caleb Marchbank, Aidan Corr, Nick Haynes and Tim Mohr have all missed too many games this year.

How many recruiters will be attending NEAFL games?

Plenty. Most of the Giants' best players are locked away but there's so many top draft picks not getting a game in the seniors, many will be eyeing an off-season move. - Adam Curley

Are Hawthorn's contested possessions figures a worry?

It has never been a strong suit for the Hawks because their excellent kicking game has more than compensated. But overall, they're not as good as previous years so they need to improve their contested numbers, particularly when their fellow flag aspirants are strong around the ball.

Are they missing Jarryd Roughead?

Of course they are, but James Sicily has stepped in to become an important forward component and Tim O'Brien is improving by the week. The Hawks aren’t scoring as heavily, but they still find ways to win.

Is the four-peat on track?

Absolutely. The flag race is much more wide open this year but if the Hawks can keep their best players on the field and finish the home and away season in the top four, their finals experience and self-belief will then count for plenty. And the Grand Final is played on their home deck. - Ashley Browne

Can Melbourne avoid another late-season fadeout?

The Demons won just three of their last 10 games in 2015 and will be keen to prevent a similar slump occurring this season. Melbourne should look to win half of its remaining eight games.

Is Simon Goodwin inheriting a finals-calibre list?

Melbourne won't play finals in 2016 but the back half of this season will be about projecting towards a finals tilt in 2017. The Demons have made great strides this season and with Goodwin to take the reins next year, the future looks bright.

Will Jesse Hogan and Tom McDonald's contract status be cleared up?

Hogan is contracted until the end of 2017 but the Demons will be keen to sort out a contract extension to ward off opposition interest. McDonald is out of contract at the end of this season and the parties remain some distance apart from reaching an agreement. - Ben Guthrie

The Demons are keen to lock Jesse Hogan away long-term. Picture: AFL Media





Are the Kangaroos good enough to beat the best?

The jury's out. Despite North's 2-4 record against other top eight sides, the injury-hit Roos have generally been highly competitive. The final month against the Bulldogs, Hawks, Swans and Giants will tell us plenty.

Can the veterans prove they deserve to go again in 2017?

The over-30s club at Arden St is bigger than most and some tough calls could be made at the end of the year. Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito, Nick Dal Santo and Jarrad Waite will want to prove themselves on the run home, while Brent Harvey's future might depend on the Kangas believing they're a flag chance next season.

Can Daniel Wells stay on the park?

The smooth-moving midfielder is integral given his class and composure under pressure. Wells' absence is always keenly felt, but especially without quality ball users Shaun Higgins and Sam Wright in the side. The Roos need to get the 31-year-old back from his calf issue and keep him back. - Travis King

Can Port play finals?

Mathematically? Yes. In reality? Highly unlikely. The Power would need to win six of the last eight and have results fall their way. Matches against Hawthorn, North, GWS and Adelaide will make it tough.

Can Travis Boak get his mojo back?

The skipper needs to lift in the last eight weeks of the year. His disposal, contested possession and clearance season averages are the lowest since 2012. Port needs him back to his best. Last Friday's best on ground showing against the Tigers was a solid start.

How do the Power play finals in 2017?

Defend better. They are sixth for scoring but ninth in defence. The best eight defences in the AFL occupy the top eight spots. - Alex Malcolm

Will the match committee experiment or play it safe?

The last eight weeks present an opportunity for tall forward Liam McBean and others to be tested, but the Tigers might have to sacrifice what would be meaningless wins. They should, but can they stomach it?

Can Richmond attract a midfield star?

This is possible, but they'll need to make themselves an attractive destination by showing meaningful finals appearances aren't too far away. There are other options if a player such as Dion Prestia wants to move clubs and also be successful.

Is there much interest in the Tigers' tall timber?

Ty Vickery and Ben Griffiths have been suggested as assets the Tigers could deal at the trade table to get draft picks in, but what would they attract? Their form before the end of the season could have a big say in that. - Nathan Schmook

Can the Tigers lure Dion Prestia to boost their midfield stocks? Picture: AFL Media





How do the Saints improve their form on the road, without any more interstate games?

The issue has been a lack of focus and intensity through the midfield, especially early in matches when playing away. This needs to be a priority.

What can the Saints do in 2016 to rejuvenate an aging defence?

In short, not much. Luke Delaney and Tom Lee are not long-term answers in the backline, while the club can't field Hugh Goddard (Achilles) and Jake Carlisle (suspended).

Can the club nab a top-tier trade target?

While St Kilda hasn't made finals since 2011, its salary cap situation means it can offer big money to anyone young and keen to switch. The upgrade to Moorabbin is expected to be completed by the end of 2017, making the club an attractive destination. - Dinny Navaratnam

Can Kurt Tippett make it back before September?

He should, but there are no guarantees with an injury of that type. If he can get 2-3 games in before the finals, the Swans will be laughing.

Who can step up to help Lance Franklin?

Sam Reid, if he can shake the injury curse. Hasn't played since last year's finals, but the athletic swingman is the missing link.

Will Tom Mitchell sign on?

Yes, but it might take some more convincing. The midfielder is happy in Sydney, is a vital part of the best midfield in the competition, and has the potential for premiership success. - Adam Curley

The Swans will be hoping to get Tom Mitchell's new deal done soon. Picture: AFL Media





Are the Eagles legitimate contenders?

If they beat North Melbourne, and Nic Naitanui returns 100 per cent fit prior to round 21, then they can be. But they need to improve significantly between now and then.

Where does the improvement come from?

Their mid-tier players must work harder to be more consistent. Chris Judd addressed some of the players last week about elite preparation and professionalism. Hopefully the message got through.

Can Eric Mackenzie return to his best?

Yes he can. He needs to back his own ability, have faith in his body and trust that he can adjust to the Eagles' defensive structure. - Alex Malcolm

Can the Dogs shut the revolving ruck door?

With Jordan Roughead, Tom Campbell and Will Minson all getting ample opportunity to make the No.1 spot his own over the past 18 months, Roughead finally looks like he's the man. The 25-year-old covers the ground well, takes contested marks and is becoming more physical. Should form a versatile combination with Tom Boyd in the future.

Will Bevo's men shed their underdog status?

Their run-and-gun best makes them far from a wet blanket, but at the moment they don't have the firepower to be an out-an-out glamour side. With Tory Dickson out of form, and Tom Boyd still developing, it leaves only the dynamic Jake Stringer providing the pizzazz up forward.

Are they genuine premiership contenders?

If they can improve their efficiency inside forward 50, and continue to win contested ball and clearances at will, then the Bulldogs do have the ability to give their lone 1954 flag some long overdue company in the trophy cabinet. Saturday's memorable win over the finals-hardened Swans proves that. - Ryan Davidson