Sports

AFL Power Rankings: Round 12

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

1. MELBOURNE

Last week 1

Surely the remaining doubters are now believers. Spotted Brisbane a half-time lead and gunned them down. The complete package.

Next up: Collingwood

2. WESTERN BULLDOGS

Last week: 2

Remain at the pointy end of the premiership conversation thanks to a high-class midfield, chiefly skipper Marcus Bontempelli. Aaron Naughton is threatening to shred a match.

Next up: Bye

3. BRISBANE

Last week: 3

No knock. Were really good for the initial 60 minutes opposed to Melbourne. Had won seven in a line prior to round 12. Still a super side with a hardness and weapons.

Next up: Bye

4. GEELONG

Last week: 4

Like the way they are travelling. The imminent return of Patrick Dangerfield is huge. Ditto Thursday night’s clash with Port Adelaide.

Next up: Port Adelaide

5. RICHMOND

Last week: 5

Continue to strike fear into the hearts of their opposition. Challenged and responded on the big stage at Optus Stadium. A formidable outfit.

Next up: West Coast

6. SYDNEY

Last week: 7

It wasn’t pretty stuff against St Kilda, but a win is a win. The 8-4 record they have should be improved after accounting for Hawthorn. Finals await.

Next up: Hawthorn

7. PORT ADELAIDE

Last week: 6

Well and truly capable of playing some intoxicating football. Need to step up against a quality opponent like Geelong to throw their hat back into the flag ring.

Next up: Geelong

8. WEST COAST

Last week: 8

The football world was waiting anxiously for a response after the abysmal effort against Essendon. They got one. Still need to elevate further. Richmond and the Western Bulldogs await.

Next up: Richmond

9. GWS

Last week: 10

The bye came at a good time. Their body of work in the lead-up to the Brisbane defeat was good. Might be the only side outside the eight who can make a tilt at September.

Next up: North Melbourne

10. ESSENDON

Last week: 9

Have an identifiable brand. Lost the game against Richmond, but no admirers. How their kids handle the grind of winter will be interesting.

Next up: Bye

11. FREMANTLE

Last week: 11

Has there ever been a more savage 60 seconds of injury carnage than what Fremantle experienced on Sunday night? Doubt it. Their season was over at that point.

Next up: Gold Coast

12. ST KILDA

Last week: 14

Mix their form like few others. Failed to deliver the knockout blow against Sydney and as a result, exited the top-eight conversation.

Next up: Adelaide

13. GOLD COAST

Last week: 12

Get a real look against a wounded Fremantle. If this club stands for anything and progress is indeed being made, they will take the opportunity that presents.

Next up: Fremantle

14. ADELAIDE

Last week: 15

A 4-8 record could easily be 6-6 had they fallen over the line against Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Next week: St Kilda

15. CARLTON

Last week: 13

If David Teague wants to hold his position beyond this season, there has to be a quantum shift in how the Blues go about their business.

Next up: Bye

16. COLLINGWOOD

Last week: 16

Inject youth, recall Jamie Elliott and travel interstate. Football’s pretty easy when that happens from a Collingwood perspective.

Next up: Melbourne

17. HAWTHORN

Last week: 17

Much of the interest surrounding Hawthorn involves the coaching future of Alastair Clarkson and Sam Mitchell. That is because the team is terrible.

Next up: Sydney

18. NORTH MELBOURNE

Last week: 18

Need to get access to their key personnel if they’re to climb out of the cellar.

Next up: GWS

Market Market



Recent Articles