AFL Power Rankings: Round 1

Posted on March 22, 2021March 22, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham

1. PORT ADELAIDE

Emphatic first-up display, albeit against modest opposition. Boast speed, potency forward of centre and can score at a rapid rate.

2. RICHMOND

What’s not to like? Have class, depth, a trusted game plan and a bloke by the name of Dusty. Difficult to beat anywhere, especially the MCG.

3. ST KILDA

We’re not expecting GWS to play finals in 2021. That said, it was a superb effort to run the Giants down at home when trailing by two goals midway through the last quarter with so many stars missing. The upside is profound.

4. WEST COAST

Not the most authoritative performance by Adam Simpson’s men, yet they did what they had to. Tim Kelly looks poised for a big season. Ditto Oscar Allen. Remain a tough assignment at Optus Stadium.

5. BRISBANE

Could quite easily have had Geelong, their opponents this Friday night, in this spot. Coach Chris Fagan has genuine ammunition to fire at his charges in the wake of their lazy loss to Sydney.

6. GEELONG

The fact Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) and Patrick Dangerfield are in the news adds to the misery of the shock defeat to Adelaide. Expecting ferocious response against Brisbane.

7. WESTERN BULLDOGS

Would have been pleased to hit the ground running against Collingwood with Adam Treloar making a contribution. Still not convinced about their legitimacy however.

8. CARLTON

Made Richmond stretch their necks despite being without several key performers, notably Jack Martin, Zac Williams and Charlie Curnow. That needs to be the standard now.

9. MELBOURNE

Had to work overtime to get over the top of a wounded Fremantle. Jake Lever and Steven May marked everything. Their efficiency in attacks needs addressing.

10. SYDNEY

Stunned Brisbane with an attacking approach. The kids are exciting and the expected return of Lance Franklin on the weekend is a huge boost.

11. COLLINGWOOD

What to do with Collingwood? They defend as well as just about anyone, but their ball movement is stilted at best. A bit more dare wouldn’t hurt either. Brodie Grundy recapturing his 2019 form would also help. Have some issues.

12. GOLD COAST

History says they will be at their best in the initial stages of the season. If they are able to operate anywhere near the standard they displayed against West Coast, they will be winning this weekend. No Matt Rowell (knee) is a massive setback.

13. GWS

Not completely hopeless against Fremantle this week, but the cupboard which has been loaded with talent in years gone by is now starting to look a bit barren.

14. HAWTHORN

Found a way when all appeared lost at half-time against Essendon. Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara remain high class. Still have a few holes in key areas.

15. FREMANTLE

Had a wretched injury list before round one and it got worse on the weekend. The forward line needs some serious work, as does their disposal efficiency.

16. ADELAIDE

Loved their bold approach against the Cats in the face of real adversity. Matthew Nicks is showing signs of development, as are his youngsters. Get a look this week as well.

17. ESSENDON

Lacked composure on-field, perhaps as a result of questionable direction from the coaches. If they’re not beating Hawthorn after leading by six goals, wins might be few and far between.

18. NORTH MELBOURNE

No knock on their endeavour against Port Adelaide. Will be fodder until they regain some experience and show more composure with ball in hand.

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