AFL Power Rankings: Round 2

Posted on March 29, 2021March 30, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham

1 – PORT ADELAIDE (Previous rank – 1)

Haven’t beaten a great deal, but impossible not to be impressed with what they have produced. The slick surrounds of Optus Stadium on Saturday night shouldn’t be any issue.

2 – RICHMOND (2)

Could quite easily be the clubhouse leader … and probably are in the eyes of many. No side can match their intensity when they crank it up.

3 – WESTERN BULLDOGS (7)

The narrow win over West Coast might just be the one that gives them a top-four advantage at the end of the home-and-away campaign. Their midfield is seriously stacked.

4 – MELBOURNE (9)

The win over Fremantle appeared so-so. The win over St Kilda was big. Have a nice blend of youth and experience. Tracking well early doors.

5 – WEST COAST (4)

Was always going to be a big seven weeks to open the season. Lost the game against the Western Bulldogs, but no admirers.

6 – GEELONG (6)

Not sure what to make of them. Lucky to escape with a victory over Brisbane, but did enter the match minus three gun midfielders in Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola.

7 – SYDNEY (10)

Have been ultra-impressive in the initial fortnight. Their ball movement is slick and the return of Lance Franklin was the cherry on top. Big test this weekend.

8 – ST KILDA (3)

Brave against GWS in round one, poor the other night. Perhaps the build-up to “Spud’s Game: Time 2 Talk” took its toll. Better than that.

9 – COLLINGWOOD (11)

Huge step forward against Carlton. The willingness to take the game on was refreshing, Jordan De Goey being stationed forward worked, as did Jack Crisp inside the centre square. They have weapons.

10 – BRISBANE (5)

We’re about to find out what Brisbane are made of. A 0-2 start and real adversity is on the horizon. The next fortnight will make or break them.

11 – FREMANTLE (15)

Had they kicked accurately, could have thrashed GWS. The Dockers looked like they were trending the right way entering the year. Nothing has changed. Just need some luck on the injury front.

12 – GOLD COAST (12)

Were professional when the game was on the line against North Melbourne and cruised after half-time. Injuries are starting to mount, however.

13 – ADELAIDE (16)

Didn’t have the arsenal to match motors with Sydney, but their intent early was sound. Taylor Walker is moving like a two-year-old colt. Great to see.

14 – HAWTHORN (14)

No disgrace in being overwhelmed early by Richmond. Their kids have a crack. Need to hold their ground until the reinforcements return.

15 – CARLTON (8)

Unless they learn to defend properly, will remain in no-man’s land. Must-win match this weekend against a Fremantle side missing its skipper.

16 – GWS (13)

An absolute rabble. Less than two years ago, they played in a grand final. Hard to believe.

17 – ESSENDON (17)

Young, banged up and the trend that has troubled them for an eternity — an inability to stop run-ons — remains prevalent.

18 – NORTH MELBOURNE (18)

We are working off a small sample size, but where is their first win coming from?

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