AFL Power Rankings: Round 11

1. MELBOURNE

Last week: 2

What’s not to like? Were up for the fight from the outset against the Western Bulldogs and played a finals brand. Coach Simon Goodwin continues to have an excellent season in the box.

Next up: Brisbane

2. WESTERN BULLDOGS

Last week: 1

Have come up short against Richmond and Melbourne, but are still 9-2 and entitled to be content about their progress. Might need all of their guns available to win the whole lot.

Next up: Fremantle

3. BRISBANE

Last week: 3

Have surged into premiership calculations with a bullet. Possess a ruthless edge now that wasn’t evident last year or when they were active in September in 2019. So much to like.

Next up: Melbourne

4. GEELONG

Last week: 4

Haven’t set the world on fire in the past three weeks, but it matters little. They are now 8-3 and the reinforcements aren’t far away. A fresh Patrick Dangerfield post-bye looms. Watch this space.

Next up: BYE

5. RICHMOND

Last week: 7

Don’t have a lot of wriggle room if they are to finish top four given the form of some sides above them. That said, no team has more credits in the bank than them. Huge game in Perth this weekend.

Next up: Essendon

6. PORT ADELAIDE

Last week: 6

An interesting case study. Their best is intoxicating. Their worst is puzzling. Will get back Scott Lycett after one more week. Have genuine X-factor.

Next up: BYE

7. SYDNEY

Last week: 8

Worked hard to get over the top of Carlton. No doubting they have done a good job, but I have many doubts on whether they can contend.

Next up: St Kilda

8. WEST COAST

Last week: 5

We are about to learn whether Adam Simpson’s charges really want to compete. Regardless of personnel issues, they shouldn’t be losing to Essendon at home after establishing a five-goal lead.

Next up: Carlton

9. ESSENDON

Last week: 12

The 2021 season might come too soon, but these Baby Bombers are trending the right way in regards to finals football. A win over Richmond would create endless possibilities.

Next up: Richmond

10. GWS

Last week: 9

Deserving of a mulligan for their trip to Brisbane. Their body of work over the preceding six weeks was really good. Injuries to key members of this side remain problematic.

Next up: BYE

11. FREMANTLE

Last week: 10

Paid the price for an inexcusable first term against Port Adelaide. There is much to like about the way they are developing. But there is much to do before they can be regular finalists.

Next up: Western Bulldogs

12. GOLD COAST

Last week: 15

Beat up on a horrible side over the weekend. Would love Stuart Dew to adopt a more positive mindset with his game plan. Ben King and Izak Rankine would surely love it as well.

Next up: BYE

13. CARLTON

Last week: 11

Incapable of defending at key stages. I’m sure that has been referenced previously. The way they are going under David Teague, it will no doubt be mentioned again in the not too distant. 

Next up: West Coast

14. ST KILDA

Last week: 14

Would be described as flat-track bullies if only they had some muscles.

Next up: Sydney

15. ADELAIDE

Last week: 13

Their year to date has been a success given the grim predictions entering the year. They need to keep building on that and finish strongly in the second half of the season.

Next up: Collingwood

16. COLLINGWOOD

Last week: 16

Has anyone seen the Magpies attack an opponent with overlap run from the back half? Watching paint dry has more appeal than sitting down for two hours to view a Collingwood match.

Next up: Adelaide

17. HAWTHORN

Last week: 17

Any team that has been beaten in 20 of its past 24 games stinks. Hawthorn have lost 20 of their past 24 games. They most definitely have an odour.

Next up: BYE

18. NORTH MELBOURNE

Last week: 18

Until they learn to take care of the football, they will win more wooden spoons than football games. 

Next up: BYE