NEIL CRAIG (Adelaide) A

Very impressive to date. Revitalised the midfield with the likes of Van Berlo, Vince and Porplyzia, redeployed veterans Goodwin and Edwards with effect and has the Crows playing a higher-scoring, more attacking brand of football that still retains the defensive steel. Not afraid to play the kids and hand them plenty of responsibility.

LEIGH MATTHEWS (Brisbane Lions) B

Has dispelled forever the long-standing myth that he didn't work well with younger players. The Lions are ahead of schedule, fuelled not just by the old hands Brown, Black and Power, but a group of kids carefully nurtured over the past couple of years. The Lions are playing attacking football, but are solid, too, and always keep their heads over the ball.

BRETT RATTEN (Carlton) B-

Really encouraging half-season for the Blues' new man. Carlton is still adapting to a different run-and-carry brand of football, with its aims still sometimes exceeding its ability. However, the Blues are clearly playing for their coach, with some inspiring comeback wins, and at least honourable defeats. Showing faith in kids such as Kreuzer, Browne and Armfield, who are responding in turn.

MICK MALTHOUSE (Collingwood) B-

With Kevin Sheedy gone, the Magpie mentor is the AFL's clear coaching elder statesman, and in his 25th season, is coaching as well as ever. Has zipped up the Pies' midfield with more time for Davis and Thomas, thrown key defender Brown in at the deep end and had great results. Has the balance between his team's grunt and glitter spot-on.

MATTHEW KNIGHTS (Essendon) C-

A tough introduction for Sheedy's successor, made harder through injuries and the odd gaffe by club officials. Has stayed true to the plan to play the kids and teach them an attacking style, eschewing veterans Johnson and Peverill. Has had mixed results, plenty of game time for the youngsters, but plenty of hammerings and a few dodgy match-ups along the way, but has stuck to his guns.

MARK HARVEY (Fremantle) D

A nightmare start to his first full season in charge, with only one win and five losses after the Dockers led at three-quarter-time. Some conservative team selection, ignoring the gun Palmer first-up, and has struggled in the media and public relations department at times. The Dockers are competitive, but Harvey can't afford to be too "bullish".

MARK THOMPSON (Geelong) B

Steady as she goes for the premiership coach. Thompson's Cats have seldom reached the stellar heights of last year, but have lost only the one game — a tribute to a game plan and methodology that works. Has made an artform of giving little away publicly, going about his business with few interruptions or distractions.

ALASTAIR CLARKSON (Hawthorn) A-

Another impressive performer, the Hawks have made the running with a solid game plan that is rigidly followed. Tactically astute, his team's rolling defensive zone is the envy of opponents, and has covered potentially damaging loss of personnel through injury with ease. Only hiccups have been on the media front, with his intensity and feistiness occasionally landing him in trouble.

DEAN BAILEY (Melbourne) C-

Very tough introduction, not helped by injuries, retirements and a troubled administration. Has pursued a definite style — numbers behind the ball, shorter kicking, more handball and an open forward line — but has lacked the players to carry it off. Recent losses of Neitz (retired) and Davey and Robertson (injured) has meant yet more reorganisation.

DEAN LAIDLEY (North Melbourne) B

Another whose occasional prickliness can create unnecessary angst, but whose preparation and knowledge of opposition is near the top of the tree. Continues to draw the very best from a list still underrated by public and opponents alike, and has both senior men and youngsters all doing their jobs. Results reflect the respect and trust of his playing group.

MARK WILLIAMS (Port Adelaide) C-

Season rapidly turning into a nightmare for the man who took this group to the 2007 grand final. Port's numbers-behind-the-ball running game can still be effective, but motivation levels have to be questioned, given the number of times it has been gunned down when in winning position. Williams has thrown up usual public curve balls and baits with less effect, and has seemed to venture outside the square less than usual.

TERRY WALLACE (Richmond) C-

A month-long period of genuine hope for the Tigers seems to have evaporated all too quickly. Richardson's move to a wing was inspired, and kids such as White, Riewoldt and Edwards have been encouraging, but Richmond hasn't turned good signs into enough material rewards. Wallace will feel the heat if the second half of season doesn't deliver more.

ROSS LYON (St Kilda) D

Hasn't been a great first half for club or coach. The much-discussed more defensive style hasn't delivered rewards, with the Saints seeming to have lost their attacking capabilities in the process. Lyon has been cautious on both the selection front, with too many kids not getting enough game time, and on match day, with not a lot of moves being made when things go awry. Heat will be on if Saints don't improve soon.

PAUL ROOS (Sydney) A

Rapidly turning into a coaching maestro. The Swans give everything, and then some, for their coach, but Roos now has them playing a more attacking and free-scoring style, effective even with the prolonged absence of spearhead Barry Hall. Moore, Jack and Bird have come in and performed well and older hands such as skipper Kirk are still in great nick. Roos' relaxed demeanour a big asset.

JOHN WORSFOLD (West Coast) D

It's all gone pear-shaped for the Eagles and, some would argue, far too quickly. Judd and Cousins are huge losses, but the failure of at least a dozen other premiership players to step up has been disturbing, as was the coach's effective waving of the white flag on this season very early in the piece. Doesn't seem as if there are a lot of shots left in the coach's locker.

RODNEY EADE (W Bulldogs) A

A great year for another coaching veteran. Tactically savvy and a good communicator, Eade has his senior men playing out of their skin, and an army of younger types also doing their bit. Running style is still hurting a handful of opponents, but Eade has successfully cajoled a harder edge out of his playing group.
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