AFL power rankings: round 13
1. Adelaide
For the third consecutive week we’ve got a new team at the top of the power rankings. Adelaide’s draw over the coming month is favourable with the Crows playing host to Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, and travelling to face Carlton and Melbourne. After a week’s rest, could this be their chance to pull away from the competition?
2. GWS
The bye came at the perfect time for the Giants after their one point loss to Carlton the week before. Just like Adelaide, GWS would have been pleased with the result on Thursday night, as Geelong failed to pinch second spot on the ladder. Still dealing with an extensive injury list, and some veteran stars out of form, it will be interesting to see whether they can truly take control over this tight premiership race.
3. Geelong
After three consecutive wins at Simmonds Stadium in their past three outings, the competition was worried about the perceived dominance of the ‘Dangerwood’ led Geelong. However, their first away game in a month put the competition’s concerns at ease, after a disappointing loss to the Eagles. There’s no doubt they have the quality personal to make a genuine finals push, however, can they be truly considered a contender if they remain inconsistent on the road?
5. Richmond
Heartbreak for Richmond fans on Saturday afternoon after the Tigers relinquished another big lead to lose their fourth game of the season by less than ten points. Leading by as many as 36 points in the second term, the nine-point loss to the Swans saw them fall to sixth on the ladder, and victim to the banter of many footy fans. Their upcoming clash against Carlton is set to be huge this weekend, then with Port Adelaide away the week after, this fortnight could prove to be crucial to Richmond’s top eight hopes.
8. Port Adelaide
The Power did what they had to do on Saturday, defeating the cellar-dwelling Lions by 40 points at home. It wasn’t the onslaught that many were expecting from Port Adelaide, however, it was enough to see them enter the top four, but the question is now, can they beat the teams around them?
9. Carlton
Their ladder position would suggest that they’re no good, however, Carlton is arguably playing some of the most exciting footy in the competition at the moment. The resurrection of the likes of Dale Thomas and Liam Jones have proven valuable to Carlton, with the two veterans churning out strong performances on Saturday night. Back-to-back underdog wins has proven to the competition that the Blues cannot be taken lightly, and with a meeting with arch rivals Richmond ahead this weekend, we could be in for a real treat.
10. Essendon
The Bombers are currently holding onto the highly coveted eighth position on the ladder. Their run home is not going to be easy, however, after their bye, they could be in good shape to try and cement that final ticket to September.
14. Collingwood
Where to from here for Collingwood? After their bye last weekend, they’re currently sitting 13th on the ladder and a game out of the eight. Almost every game has been a must win for Collingwood this season, and this next month is no exception if they’re to keep their September hopes alive. MCG clashes against Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and Essendon, followed by a trip to Gold Coast, are all winnable in theory, however, theory seems to have gone out the window this season.
16. North Melbourne
The bye obviously had no positive effect on North Melbourne who came out and lost in a Friday night home match to St. Kilda by 17 points. The final margin was flattering for North who trailed by as many as 42 points in the fourth quarter before a junk-time resurgence made the final deficit look respectable. This was certainly not the best pitch to trade targets Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly who should now be reconsidering the attractiveness of North Melbourne’s offer. Money is one thing, but success and the lure of a premiership is another.
17. Hawthorn
The bye put Hawthorn’s misery aside for a week as they stepped out of the spotlight temporarily. Don’t expect too much from the Hawks upon their return this weekend, with the 17th placed side travelling to Adelaide to face the first placed Crows.
