AFL power rankings: Round 19
10. Melbourne
The Demons lost in disappointing style to the Kangaroos on Saturday afternoon in what should have been an easy four points. Melbourne had plenty of the ball with three of their midfielders picking up 30 or more touches, but a serious collarbone injury to Jesse Hogan hurt their chances of a win. They Dees remain in seventh but will need to pencil in some wins over the last four rounds if they are to play finals footy.
11. Essendon
The Dons failed to topple the Dogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and fell out of the top eight as a result. Joe Daniher was brilliant once again kicking six goals, but inaccurate kicking from the Bombers hurt their chances of picking up the four points. Their run home appears to be relatively soft, so their chances of sneaking back into the eight are high, and if they can manage to play in September, could be a real threat.
12. St Kilda
Heartbreak for the Saints who lost to Port Adelaide on the back of a final second goal from Robbie Gray that may have just sunken their finals hopes. Unlike Essendon, their remaining matches come against some strong opposition, therefore it would take some effort to make the eight from here.
13. Collingwood
Collingwood could only manage the two points against Adelaide off the back of an after-the-siren goal from Adelaide’s Mitch McGovern. The Pies surrendered a 50-point lead in the second half that came much to the displeasure of Magpie supporters. The future of Nathan Buckley is the number one story that will surround the club for the rest of the season, despite the likelihood of a decision being made post Round 23.
14. Gold Coast
The late omission of Gary Ablett hurt any chances the Suns had of securing a win over the Tigers at home, as they lost by 33 points. 40 touches from Aaron Hall wasn’t enough to cover Ablett’s absence as the Gold Coast failed to win again, and the pressure continues to mount on coach Rocket Eade who seems destined to be sacked by the club.
15. Carlton
Carlton’s purple patch from just over a month ago appears to have disappeared completely, as they lost to the Cats in a disappointing fashion. The 65-point defeat has triggered commentators to question whether the side is progressing under Brendon Bolton as Saturday night made it six games without a win.
17. Fremantle
The Dockers were unlucky to leave Sydney without the four points after they had the better of the Giants for the majority of the match. As always, Nat Fyfe and Lachie Neale led the charge with 31 and 30 disposals respectively. The end of the season couldn’t come quick enough for Freo who sit 14th on the ladder.
18. Brisbane
Ah, the Lions! Their 68-point loss to the Eagles in the final match of the round summed up their season perfectly. 41 touches from skipper Dayne Beams went unrewarded as the Lions remain bottom of the ladder, and the power rankings.
