Welcome back to the Power Ranking.
Geelong might be leading the pack, but the No.2 seed, and a Grand Final spot, looks wide open. Even for the team that just entered the eight.
What are the Power Rankings? This is our attempt to rank all the AFL clubs from best to worst. We take into account wins and losses, but also the quality of opposition faced and whether teams are likely to be healthier or better in the future. It’s a bit ‘who’s hot and who’s not’; part predictive, part analysis of what has happened. If Team A is above Team B, we’ll probably tip A to beat B at a neutral venue this weekend.
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1. GEELONG CATS (14-4, 135.1%)
Last week’s ranking: 1
Unless the Cats really collapse, which could send the entire city of Geelong into an existential crisis, we can’t really see much change over the next month with Chris Scott’s men. On paper they should win all remaining games; They’ll probably drop one because that’s how footy works, but a place in the top two looks pretty safe and the top four is almost certain. Most will have them as prime ministerial favorites, to some degree, heading into September. And then it will be about the qualifying final – the bane of Geelong fans’ lives over the last decade. Do you think it’s worth mentioning that the Cats are 1-8 in Week 1 finals since the 2011 banner?
Next game: Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, Saturday night
Cats cling to first place | 03:08
2. MELBOURNE (13-5, 128.8%)
Last week’s ranking: 2
We totally get it if you’re jumping the gun: the whole “they’ve lost five of their last eight games” thing is pretty concerning, and their defense doesn’t look good. But that said, they’re 3-2 since the bye, and aside from Saturday’s upset loss to the Bulldogs, have you done pretty much what you’d expect from the second-place finisher? Has everyone forgotten how much they trashed Brisbane? The Premiers are not at their best almost everywhere, from a leaky defence, to a midfield that is good but not great, to a failing forward line (yes, they scored 100 points , but it’s against the Bulldogs, they’ve allowed four 100). in their last six games). But even at this below-average level, the demons are still pretty good. Fix a few things and they’ll be great again.
Next game: Fremantle at Optus Stadium, Friday night
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Franklin reaches a new milestone in the victory of the Swans | 01:23
3. SYDNEY SWANS (12-6, 121.9%)
Last week’s ranking: 5
Only four teams have won each of the last three weeks. Geelong and Collingwood, on their respective nine-game streaks, Hawthorn, defeating the last three, and Sydney. It could be argued that their win over Adelaide was the least impressive of their three wins, although it really was a microcosm of their season – an utterly brilliant and brutal start, followed by a bit of an upset where they didn’t go be as good as you expected. against lowly opposition, but overall it was enough. Despite them being sixth on the ladder, their easy game remaining means we could easily see Sydney finish as high as second, and if we were to do the old top ladder predictor for each game, we’d certainly have them. among the first four. Yes, they have had some surprises, but their best recently has been among the best in the AFL. Be careful.
Next game: GWS Giants at the SCG, Saturday afternoon
4. BRISBANE LIONS (13-5, 125.5%)
Last week’s ranking: 3
They got the job done in what was always going to be a tricky Pineapple Grapple, but the Lions’ defense remains a serious problem that will prevent them from fighting for a flag, even if they are still in the top four. They have allowed 93 points or more in six of their last nine games, with three of those performances coming at home against bottom ten teams. It’s not just about the midfield slipping and allowing tackles; Last year, the Lions were second in the AFL for opposition scores conceded per inside 50; that’s how deadly the other team is when they go forward. They are a lowly 14th this year, and in the top eight only the Bulldogs (18th) are worse.
Next game: Richmond at the MCG, Sunday afternoon
Lions roar home to defeat Suns in QClash | 01:11
5. FREMANTLE (12-5-1, 119.7%)
Last week’s ranking: 4
The only team in the top eight without a win in the last fortnight, the Dockers have managed to lose some form at the worst possible time as their game gets very tricky. (Though the game getting complicated probably hurt their form.) As painful as the draw was, at least Noah Cumberland’s error means they stay ahead of Sydney and Carlton; otherwise, they would barely be above seventh. That’s how tight this first set is. The good news is that Melbourne are also out at the moment so Friday night is completely winnable and then the Dockers game opens. A loss against the Demons wouldn’t destroy their top four chances, because they should be favored on paper in their last three games (although the Dogs at Marvel will be tricky), but it would hurt them badly for sure.
Next game: Melbourne at Optus Stadium, Friday night
6. COLLINGWOOD (13-5, 106.2%)
Last week’s ranking: 8
We were very torn about how to rank Collingwood, Carlton, Richmond and the Bulldogs; if you would suggest any order from this group we would accept it. And our thoughts on the ridiculous, clearly abnormal Magpies, the fact that you practice them does not explain it, the regression will come next year 8-1 in close games. well known But we have to consider the form in this ranking and look, they have won nine bloody games in a row. Richmond has won nine games all year. The Magpies are very good… as is almost everyone from second to 11th on the ladder. Honestly, if any of these teams are playing right now, it’s pretty much a 50-50 tip (except maybe with St Kilda). Look how good Port Adelaide is, and they’ll finish 10th or 11th! This is just a crazy, super unusual season with a ton of teams that can be great on their day. Geelong are favorites to claim a place in the Grand Final, but we could see any other team that makes the eight join them.
Next game: Port Adelaide at the MCG, early Saturday
The Magpies get a remarkable win over the Bombers | 03:48
7. CARLTON (12-6, 115.5%)
Last week’s ranking: 7
Just like the game against West Coast, there were hesitations and worries of a shock defeat, but then it got to the fourth quarter and you looked up and, hey, Carlton have gone six goals down? How did this happen? Their ability to flip the switch will make them dangerous against any opponent in September, though the switch needs being turned upside down is the concern. The Crows aren’t easy to beat at home, but assuming the Blues take care of business, they’ll be (virtually or effectively) locked into the finals, with a three-week crunch against Brisbane, Melbourne and Collingwood to set them up for come back in September . That’s when it’s time to get up.
Next game: Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval, Saturday night
Carlton defeats the Giants at Marvel | 01:21
8. RICHMOND (9-8-1, 114.5%)
Last week’s ranking: 6
It’s hard to find something fresh to say about the Tigers when we’ve been feeling the same way for weeks: They’re better than their record and they’ve been very unlucky. But their record will cost them the finals if they don’t beat at least one of Brisbane or Port Adelaide in the next two weeks. At the very least, it’s inevitable that a very good team (Richmond or the Bulldogs) will miss the eight, summing up how long the list of contenders is this season. They are good enough to beat the Lions this weekend; but Kane Lambert’s retirement feels a bit like the end of an era, doesn’t it? It was so crucial to his prime ministerial years, and more outings are sure to come. They have to take advantage of this opportunity to play in the finals because even if their luck hits them next year, they probably won’t be as good teams.
Next game: Brisbane Lions at the MCG, Sunday afternoon
9. WESTERN BULLDOGS (10-8, 111.9%)
Last week’s ranking: 9
So we don’t have the Bulldogs in the top eight – as everyone knows, we’re keeping this Richmond team regardless of results – but as explained in Collingwood’s brief, we rated them as high as sixth. The win over Melbourne, while not exactly ending our doubts about their defence, was proof that this team that has been so good against all but the best can still beat the best. Even if the demons are a little shaky. So we feel good about our confidence in this team going into the season, and why can’t they make another Grand Final if they get to eight (which they should if they win three of their last four)? There’s a good chance they get Melbourne in the knockout final, or maybe Fremantle or Collingwood. winnable And from there, well, we’ve seen them do it before, haven’t we?
Next game: Geelong Cats at GMHBA Stadium, Saturday night
Dogs steal big win over Dees | 03:29
10. PORT ADELAIDE (8-10, 105.4%)
Last week’s ranking: 10
There will always be disgruntled fans when a manager has gone a long time without winning a top job, but we’re legitimately not worried about Ken Hinkley right now. All in all, this season is a disappointing step back, but with a bit of retooling in the off-season, the Power should be in contention for at least the top eight. We keep pointing it out, but since the end of April they’ve only lost to Geelong (twice), Melbourne, Fremantle and Richmond, four very good teams.
Next game: Collingwood in…