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AFL Power Rankings: Round 18

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

1. MELBOURNE

Last week: 1

No getting away from the fact they were poor late against Hawthorn. Still on top of the ladder and their record against the better sides is super. Backing them in still.

Next up: Gold Coast

2. GEELONG

Last week: 3

It is a build towards September which has a real identity about it. Experienced and travel like pros. Have the big-game exposure which will serve them well.

Next up: Geelong

3. WESTERN BULLDOGS

Last week: 2

Going along nicely. If you are to be super critical, their lack of talls behind the ball remains a concern. The COVID-19 scare involving Josh Dunkley doesn’t help.

Next up: Adelaide

4. SYDNEY

Last week: 5

What’s not to like? Might have been slow to become a true believer, but am now on the train. Love the blend between experience and youth, and the willingness to embrace all challenges.

Next up: Fremantle

5. PORT ADELAIDE

Last week: 6

Really significant win over St Kilda on the weekend. Have battled manfully in the face of an extensive injury list. The reinforcements aren’t far away.

Next up: Collingwood

6. BRISBANE

Last week: 4

From coasting to vulnerable. Back-to-back defeats to St Kilda and Richmond, coupled with injuries to Eric Hipwood and Marcus Adams will do that.

Next up: Hawthorn

7. WEST COAST

Last week: 7

Beat up on a bad Adelaide side yesterday. Doesn’t matter though. Needed that win and now can springboard off that back at home.

Next up: St Kilda

8. ESSENDON

Last week: 11

Have gone from the best side outside the eight to a worthy finalist. Would love to see them get a scalp, but clearly are trending the right way.

Next up: GWS

9. RICHMOND

Last week: 10

Loved the performance against Brisbane. Alarmed by the impact of Dustin Martin’s season-ending kidney injury. They can’t win it without him, can they?

Next up: Geelong

10. ST KILDA

Last week: 9

Fluffed their lines against Port Adelaide. It might be the game that haunts them given they have West Coast this weekend.

Next up: West Coast

11. FREMANTLE

Last week: 8

Had their failings exposed by the class of Geelong. Banged up and short-staffed. In trouble.

Next up: Sydney

12. GWS

Last week: 12

One has to feel for them. The loss of Toby Greene pre-match against Sydney was huge. That said, they should have won from the position they were in.

Next up: Essendon

13. CARLTON

Last week: 14

If Sam Walsh isn’t a future Brownlow medallist, it would be a massive shock. Remarkably, are still a chance to play in September.

Next up: North Melbourne

14. GOLD COAST

Last week: 15

Getting better and better which is important. Have normally been AWOL in the second half of seasons.

Next up: Melbourne

15. COLLINGWOOD

Last week: 13

Coughed up a winnable match against the arch enemy yesterday. Disappointing.

Next up: Port Adelaide

16. HAWTHORN

Last week: 18

Hard to keep them on the bottom of the rankings after they draw with a side which sits atop. Their best is really good. Their worst is horrible.

Next up: Brisbane

17. NORTH MELBOURNE

Last week: 17

Their second half of the year has been heartening. Will think they can yet avoid the wooden spoon.

Next up: Carlton

18. ADELAIDE

Last week: 16

The backside has fallen out of them. Looking for the finish line.

Next up: Western Bulldogs

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