Two AFL coaches have been sacked , injured players are being hastily rehabilitated,  and fans are being encouraged to buy three games season passes to see their teams in action , prior to the Finals .

Collingwood , are the favourites for flag 2012 , Cats ,  Hawks and Blues worthy challengers , with the  Saints making a late run . The WCE , in a miraculous recovery went from Wooden Spooners last year,  to serious contenders in Season 2011  . The Bulldogs , Bombers , Demons , Kangaroos , Swans and Dockers need to keep winning , and the Tigers , Suns , Lions  , Power and Crows appear to be out  of the Race.

Western Invaders

It is definitely the business  end of the Season as teams scramble for places in the Final Eight . Coaches are being held accountable for their teams poor performances , witness the exit of Dean Bailey , and Neil Craig before the Seasons end .

Lions good record in Finals

Footy Fans, thrilled by the recent action on the field , and  bemused by the off field manoeuvrings , are hopeful that their team can win a finals berth , and are  showing their support  by  wearing their teams football jumpers , jerseys , guernseys.

AFL Football is cut throat . Results are demanded , for a teams success , and coaches are sacrificed, if they are not forthcoming . Just ask Terry Wallace , Dean Laidley, and most recently Mark Williams.

AFL is a high powered, elite sport .The coach and his support staff are ultimately accountable for the teams success , and must justify the vast sums , spent on achieving this .

Supporters , often oblivious to behind the scenes wrangling , also demand a high level of achievement from their club . They go to the footy, wearing their football jumper , jersey , guernsey , believing their team can win.

Power axed Coach