AFL Power Rankings: Round 3

Posted on April 6, 2021April 6, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham

1 — PORT ADELAIDE (Previous rank – 1)

It’s hard to sugarcoat their effort against West Coast. Should bounce back opposed to Richmond, giving them a 3-1 win-loss record with games against the Eagles and Tigers behind them.

2 — RICHMOND (2)

Couldn’t go stride for stride with Sydney. Even the best of the best have slip-ups. Have multiple credits in the bank.

3 — WESTERN BULLDOGS (3)

Loved their ruthless edge after half-time against a vulnerable opponent. Travelling sweetly.

4 — WEST COAST (5)

Head east this week fresh off a vintage performance against a legitimate contender. The loss of Luke Shuey (hamstring) is a bitter blow.

5 — MELBOURNE (4)

Have been a surprise packet to start 2021. Perfectly placed ahead of this week’s assignment against Geelong at the MCG.

6 — SYDNEY (7)

 The transformation from a dour, defence-first team to a free-flowing outfit has been the feelgood story of the season. Get a great look at improving to 4-0.

7 — BRISBANE (10)

Got the win against Collingwood that they were denied a week earlier opposed to Geelong. Take a bow. Zac Bailey.

8 — GEELONG (6)

Improved to 2-1 on Easter Monday. Injuries to key personnel, the latest being Shaun Higgins’ hamstring, isn’t ideal. Still not convinced.

9 — COLLINGWOOD (9)

It’s only early in the campaign, but the loss to Brisbane after being in a winning position may haunt them. Best when they play with freedom.

10 — FREMANTLE (11)

Took a step backwards against Carlton. The result again underlined how important Nat Fyfe is. He returns this week.

11 — CARLTON (15)

Justified their short quote against the Dockers. How potent could a forward line of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow be in the current AFL landscape?

12 — ST KILDA (8)

The wheels have come off. Their inability to defend against Essendon. Even if they lose to West Coast, their effort must be unconditional.

13 — ADELAIDE (13)

Rallied from a wobbly start on Good Friday to gun down Gold Coast. Taylor Walker’s resurgence remains a talking point. Will dismiss North Melbourne and be 3-1.

14 — HAWTHORN (14)

Showing some really positive signs. A 1-2 record is more than okay considering they have fronted up to Richmond and Geelong in back-to-back weeks.

15 — ESSENDON (17)

Put St Kilda to the sword, but not ready to declare they are back. Look like they again are best suited inside Marvel Stadium.

16 — GOLD COAST (12)

Cannot get a run at it. The loss of Jarrod Witts with an ACL injury is a cruel blow given leg issues have already sidelined Matt Rowell, Connor Budarick, Zac Smith and Sam Day. Finals are out of reach.

17 — GWS (16)

Gave a yelp early against Melbourne only to be overrun. Are banged up and devoid of confidence. The blowtorch will be applied soon to coach Leon Cameron.

18 — NORTH MELBOURNE (18)

Horrible. Plain and simple. Nothing to be enthused about whatsoever.

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