Are the Cats dropping the ball?

Are the Cats dropping the ball? Photo: Getty Images

We'll call it a day there. Thanks everyone for some great questions and comments. Round eight is another ripper, Coll-Geel, Ess-Rich dreamtime clash and Carl-Adel the obvious highlights, but even Hawthorn v Freo and West Coast v St Kilda in Perth could produce a turn-up or two. Have a great football weekend, or just a great weekend ... and we'll catch you back here same time next week!

It's known as the ''round-seven rule'' - If you're not in the top eight by now, chances are you won't be when it counts. In nine of the past 10 years, the composition of the eight has changed by no more than one team from this point of the season.

Hawthorn is flag favourite, yet also remains outside the eight - is this really a season of uncertainty, which will defy all the established patterns?

For those of us still grappling with the week-to-week thrust and parry, which clubs will rebuild their momentum this weekend after shock losses - Carlton against Adelaide, Geelong against Collingwood, or West Coast against St Kilda? There's also the huge Dreamtime clash between the surging Tigers and high-flying Bombers to consider.

Not to mention sliding, Monday night footy, the spluttering campaign for state of origin football to return, and the rise of the Giants, who must be considered a good chance to topple Brisbane and record their second win in succession.

Have your say on the footy issues that matter to you. Leave a comment here or return at noon Thursday to chat live with Rohan.

Join a live blog with Rohan Connolly from midday Thursday.