AFL Power Rankings: Round 11
1. Greater Western Sydney
The youngest team in the competition are living up to their preseason expectations. Touted as premiership favourites, GWS’ victory was their fourth consecutive win and catapulted them to the top of the ladder for the first time ever. With at least seven of their best 22 players out through injury, the Giants are only going to get stronger over the coming months.
3. Port Adelaide
The competition is now taking notice of Port Adelaide after they made Hawthorn look like witches hats on Thursday night. Keeping the Hawks to just three points in the first half, their defensive pressure was outstanding, and with Charlie Dixon bagging four for his side, now is not the time to underestimate the Power.
4. Adelaide
Despite Adelaide’s loss on Friday night, they are still a red-hot team in the competition. The tight confines of Simmonds Stadium didn’t suit the Crows who like to create space and get out the back. Quiet nights from Sloane and Betts are few and far between, so expect them to bounce back strongly against the Saints this weekend at the Adelaide Oval.
5. Richmond
Back-to-back wins for the Tigers have calmed the nerves of Richmond fans after they went on a three-game losing streak last month. A strong performance in the second half on Saturday night, highlighted by 38 disposals and two goals from Dustin Martin, is just what the Tiger faithful would have wanted as they head into the bye.
6. Western Bulldogs
Still trying to find their best 22, don’t be fooled by the Western Bulldogs’ place on the ladder. The well-rested Dogs are just a win shy of the four with a game in hand, and with the out-of-form Sydney Swans up this weekend, expect these pups to find themselves in the premiership conversation once again.
7. West Coast
The Eagles’ travel woes continued on the weekend, falling victim to a late Peter Wright goal to lose to the Suns by just three points. Now 2-4 when on the road, and with star forward Josh Kennedy sidelined through injury, West Coast aren’t the powerhouse they were earlier in the season, however, they aren’t a side to pencil in four points against just yet.
8. Collingwood
Collingwood’s gutsy win over Fremantle has somewhat steadied the Magpies’ ship after a rough start to the year. Now on a three-game winning streak, Nathan Buckley’s side sit tenth on the ladder and just four points behind eighth. There are injury concerns for the Pies however, with exciting forward Jamie Elliot and recruit Daniel Wells likely to miss this weekend’s ‘Queen’s Birthday’ clash.
9. Melbourne
The Demons face a must-win match on Monday against the in-form Magpies. Coming off the bye, the Demons should be fresh and ready to go, as they look to squeeze into the top eight. Despite earlier speculation, Jesse Hogan appears unlikely to return for this clash.
10. Essendon
The Bombers remain one of the most inconsistent teams in the competition, defeating the likes of West Coast and Geelong, and then falling to sides like Fremantle and Carlton. Their 16-point loss to the Giants at Spotless Stadium was gallant, with strong performances by Merrett and Watson, however, who knows what the ‘Dons will produce this Saturday against Port Adelaide.
11. North Melbourne
North Melbourne’s form continues to ebb and flow after 11 rounds. Their loss on Saturday night was their second loss in six games, and saw them drop back to 13th on the ladder. Disappointing performances from Todd Goldstein and Jarrad Waite have plagued the Roos recently, so the bye may be a good time for the two veterans to try and rediscover their good form.
