Sports

AFL Power Rankings: Round 4

1 – WESTERN BULLDOGS (Previous rank – 3)

Unbeaten to start the year and now front up against a wounded Gold Coast. Getting it done in all areas of the ground.

2 – PORT ADELAIDE (1)

Still a massive believer in what Port Adelaide can achieve. Leg injuries to young guns Xavier Duursma and Zak Butters are cause for concern though.

3 – MELBOURNE (5)

Hard not to like the way Simon Goodwin’s men are going about their business. Importantly, the Demons’  good players are playing really good football.

4 – RICHMOND (2)

No need to panic if you are a Richmond supporter, but a win against St Kilda would sure help settle the nerves. A breakout display by Tom Lynch wouldn’t go astray either.

5 – WEST COAST (4)

Fluffed their lines opposed to St Kilda when seemingly in control. Return to their fortress against Collingwood and should exact revenge for last season’s finals exit.

6 – SYDNEY (6)

Were entitled to beat Essendon by more. That said, if John Longmire was offered a 4-0 start to the season back in January, he would have taken it and run.

7 – GEELONG (8)

The cavalry is coming. Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron and Gary Rohan are expected to return in time to smack North Melbourne. Can warm to their work.

8 – FREMANTLE (10)

Are going to be competitive at home if the opening month of the season is any guide. Need to start winning outside WA.

9 – ST KILDA (12)

Showed real spirit to overhaul West Coast. The challenge is to back it up against the benchmark this weekend.

10 – BRISBANE (7)

Return to the Gabba in time to revive their season. Weren’t disgraced against the Western Bulldogs. Have upside.

11 – CARLTON (11)

Bossed the match opposed to Gold Coast. The faithful would love to see them make a statement on home soil against Port Adelaide.

12 – ADELAIDE (13)

Going along well. The growth of the kids is exciting. Lachlan Sholl is one out of the box. Get a real look this week to build on a solid first month.

13 – ESSENDON (15)

The past two weeks have been encouraging. Like we have seen at Sydney and Adelaide, the fresh faces are up and about.

14 – GWS (17)

Toby Greene is revered inside the four walls of the Giants. It’s not hard to see why when you witness his superb performance against Collingwood. Finals still highly unlikely.

15 – COLLINGWOOD (9)

Unless Nathan Buckley wants to embrace a change to his game plan, their season is going to have a real stench about it.

16 – GOLD COAST (16)

Too many injuries and too many skill errors are proving problematic.

17 – HAWTHORN (14)

A lack of leg speed through the midfield is a worry. The butchering of the football is also concerning, as is an impotent forward line.

18 – NORTH MELBOURNE (18)

Unable to take their chances in front of goal and leak scores at the other end. That’s just two areas where they are deficient. Wooden spoon looming.

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