At this time of year, the ladder lies.

Nine teams are still in the hunt, but how they’re building – or scrambling – towards September tells a different story.

Some look off. Have they peaked too early? Others are rising to the occasion, thriving in big games and building real momentum. And a few haven’t been tested in weeks.

Contenders: The ladder has nine teams in the hunt, but it doesn’t tell the full story.Credit: Aresna Villanueva/Getty Images

The ladder can’t show you that. If you want the smarter read, you have to watch what teams are doing now, and why.

Right now, only Collingwood and Brisbane – maybe Geelong – are positioned to manage their players smartly. The Pies, half a game clear on top, are clearly prioritising freshness over form. This past month has proved it: Patrick Lipinski and Brody Mihocek managed, Scott Pendlebury used as sub. They’re willing to sacrifice a win if it means getting the bigger picture right. But with two losses in a row, they now need to be careful not to flirt too much with their form.

This is where their early season wins pay off. With the oldest list in the comp and key injuries, Collingwood will fall back on their experience in these moments. Jordan De Goey? They need him in September, not in round 20. Billy Frampton, Jeremy Howe and Dan Houston – they’ll take the time they need. Experience is where the Pies hold a trump card.

Craig McRae has been resting Pies players given their buffer at the top.Credit: Getty Images

Fremantle welcomed back arguably their best line-breaking midfielder on Sunday, Hayden Young, against the Pies, with captain Alex Pearce still to return. It was a timely boost that only strengthened the Dockers.

Speaking of depth, keep an eye on Hawthorn. It was exciting to see the return of Mitch Lewis against Port Adelaide, with Changkuoth Jiath, Jack Scrimshaw, Max Ramsden and Luke Breust all lining up in the VFL. Josh Weddle and Will Day are also edging closer to return, while Mabior Chol was rested with soreness. That kind of internal pressure drives standards. It’s clear Sam Mitchell is........

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