This was published 9 years ago
AFL power rankings: Round 12
Mitchell Jones
1. Geelong
The Cats would have been sitting at home in front of the tv this weekend, rubbing their hands together as some of their closest competitors fell victim to some big upsets. Geelong should be well rested as they prepare to head West and tackle the Eagles in a big test for the side.
2. Adelaide
A big win over the Saints at home on Friday night was the perfect way to bounce back after a disappointing loss the week before. The Crows had a trifecta of players to bag three goals each, as well as strong outputs from their more experienced players such as Laird and Jacobs. There will be some happy campers in Adelaide heading into the bye this week. 
3. GWS
A shock loss to Blues on Sunday afternoon has dismantled the Giants from the pinnacle of the ladder after just one week at the top. Despite the defeat, GWS still remain one of the biggest premiership contenders, and you can just put this latest result down to a bad day at the office. 
4. Richmond
Richmond have found themselves a spot higher on this week’s power rankings without even playing a game. Similar to Geelong, the Tigers find themselves the beneficiaries of some big upsets to teams around them, and with a game in hand and hosting Sydney at the MCG this weekend, the Tiges could find themselves very much in the top four conversation come Sunday.
5. Port Adelaide
After a dominant display the week before over the Hawks, did we see the true Port Adelaide on Saturday night? A 70-point grubbing at the hands of Essendon left footy fans in shock, and left many questioning whether they are the real deal. The Power is now the only side in the competition yet to defeat a top eight side… interesting.
6. Essendon
A strong win over the Power sees Essendon rise a massive four spots in this week’s rankings. The Dons were firing on all four cylinders on Saturday night with four goals from Daniher and McDonald-Tipungwuti and five from Cale Hooker. If Essendon’s forwards can fire like this consistently in weeks to come, expect to see them get a lot higher than sixth. 
7. West Coast
The Eagles should be refreshed a ready to go this week after their mid-season bye. Facing Geelong at home this Thursday night is a big test for Adam Simpson’s men, and could really decide their season after they fell out of the top eight this weekend.
8. Melbourne
A gusty win by Melbourne on the big stage catapulted them to sixth on the table and one place higher in the power rankings. The Demons showed a lot of fight against the Pies in the ‘Queen’s Birthday’ clash, and with Max Gawn and Jesse Hogan close to returning, Melbourne could find themselves very much in the finals picture.
9. Western Bulldogs
Despite much hope around the competition, the Bulldogs continue to fail and the likelihood of defending their 2016 premiership starts to dwindle. Their loss to the Swans on Thursday night raised many questions about their selections, with the likes of Tom Liberatore continuously left out of the side. It’s time for Luke Beveridge to settle on his best 22 if they’re any chance to make the top eight.
