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.
Market Market