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AFL Power Rankings: Round 9

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

1. MELBOURNE

Last week: 1

Impossible not to be impressed with how they are going about their business. Mature, methodical and extremely efficient. Every time they have started a season 9-0, they have gone on to win the flag.

Next up: Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)

2. WESTERN BULLDOGS

Last week: 2

Outstanding effort interstate against Port Adelaide, arguably their best of 2021. Easton Wood’s hamstring setback is a concern.

Next up: St Kilda (Marvel Stadium)

3. BRISBANE

Last week: 7

Building superbly. The powerhouse performance against Gold Coast, especially in the third quarter, was the perfect tune-up for Friday night’s showdown with Richmond at the Gabba.

Next up: Richmond (Gabba)

4. GEELONG

Last week: 4

Weren’t as slick last Friday night as seven days earlier, but have stealthily improved to 6-3 ahead of a home match against Gold Coast. Very much in the premiership conversation.

Next up: Gold Coast (GMHBA)

5. RICHMOND

Last week: 5

Might only occupy eighth spot currently, but the upside is significant. Clambered from the canvas like a true champion against GWS.

Next up: Brisbane (Gabba)

6. PORT ADELAIDE

Last week: 3

The trust issues that existed when they ventured interstate have now infiltrated their Adelaide Oval fortress. Should be embarrassed by lack of intent against the Western Bulldogs.

Next up: Collingwood (MCG)

7. WEST COAST

Last week: 6

Botched an opportunity to split apart Adelaide. Need to learn to put away sides and in the process boost their percentage.

Next up: GWS (GIANTS Stadium)

8. SYDNEY

Last week: 8

Nobody could have forecast the Swans would be in this position given their evolving squad and tough start to the fixture. Upcoming clash with Fremantle is season defining.

Next up: Fremantle (Optus Stadium)

9. GWS

Last week: 10

Have put together a really solid body of work. Stiff to lose to Richmond and are now without Toby Greene for a month. Cruel blow.

10. ST KILDA

Last week: 9

Impossible to knock their effort in the past three weeks. The absence of Rowan Marshall hurts their most effective weapon — a 1-2 punch of him and Paddy Ryder.

Next up: Western Bulldogs (Marvel Stadium)

11. FREMANTLE

Last week: 11

Until they piece together four quarters of football, especially interstate, they are going to remain on the periphery of the top eight. Need to get to work.

12. ESSENDON

Last week: 14

If at first you don’t succeed, then try again. Good on the Bombers for finally winning a close match. Darcy Parish is airborne and the importance of that in an injury-hit midfield cannot be understated.

Next up: North Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)

13. CARLTON

Last week: 12

Going nowhere fast. David Teague’s position becomes more and more tenuous with the passing of each week — on and off the field.

Next up: Hawthorn (MCG)

14. COLLINGWOOD

Last week: 15

The dour defensive display against Sydney was oh so Collingwood. Not sure that effort enhances Nathan Buckley’s prospects of re-signing.

Next up: Port Adelaide (MCG)

15. GOLD COAST

Last week: 13

Fast becoming irrelevant — again. Staggering they could dish up what they did against Brisbane with so much on the line. Are their kids improving?

Next up: Geelong (GMHBA)

16. ADELAIDE

Last week 17

Have never really looked like winning in the past fortnight, but their intent has been solid. Still looks like a long, bleak winter.

Next up: Melbourne (Adelaide Oval)

17. HAWTHORN

Last week: 16

Alastair Clarkson has seen and done it all. Right now though, he looks bereft of answers and that is seriously alarming.

Next up: Carlton (MCG)

18. NORTH MELBOURNE

Last week: 18

Had their persistence rewarded at last, even with a mounting injury toll. Can they build on it against Essendon?

Next up: Essendon

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