This was published 9 years ago
AFL Power Rankings: round 15
Mitchell Jones
1. GWS Giants
If it wasn’t for an after-the-siren behind from Tom Hawkins, the Giants would be sitting a game clear on top of the ladder. The draw however, does separate them from the Crows in second by just two points. They still have a number of high-profile stars sidelined through injury and are set to return closer to September and bolster their premiership chances.
4. Richmond Tigers
Richmond find themselves in the top four after a big upset win over Port Adelaide. The emergence of their mosquito-fleet up forward has proven to be the difference for the Tigers this season, and will trouble many teams. Richmond should go in as favourites next week against St. Kilda, but as we know, anything can happen.
5. Sydney Swans
After starting the season 0-6, we are finally seeing the Sydney of old. Their convincing win over the Demons, with one less player after Mills was concussed, has thrown them into the premiership conversation despite still sitting outside the eight. Their star-studded midifield is operating like a well-oiled machine, and Buddy is starting to find his straps after kicking 4.3 on Friday night.
6. Port Adelaide
Just when the competition thinks that Port Adelaide is the real-deal, they lose in disappointing fashion at their home ground. Kicking 8.15 for the match, Power’s inaccuracy cost them dearly, and saw them surrender their spot in the top four to Richmond, who got the better of them.
8. West Coast Eagles
West Coast have overcome their travel woes, toppling the reigning premiers by seven points in an upset win. Still without gun forward Josh Kennedy, expect the Eagles to soar up the ladder and build on their seventh position.
11. St Kilda Saints
The Saints got over the line against the Dockers in a nail-biter thanks to two late goals from Josh Bruce. The nine-point win sneaks them into the top eight, but the biggest test is still to come, with Richmond, Essendon, Sydney and Port Adelaide ahead over the next four weeks.
12. Carlton Blues
The Blues nearly caused another major upset as they led in the final term against the Crows on Saturday. It wasn’t to be however, but star midfielder Bryce Gibbs was at his very best once again, collecting 30 disposals and kicking two goals.
14. Essendon Bombers
Their good is fantastic, but their bad is bitterly disappointing, and we witnessed the latter in full effect on Sunday. For the second consecutive week the Dons have surrendered a fourth quarter lead, this time giving up a 27-poimt buffer to lose to the cellar-dwelling Lions by eight points.
17. Collingwood Magpies
Collingwood’s season appears to be all but over following a disappointing loss to the Hawks on Sunday. The pressure continues to mount on coach Nathan Buckley whose side falls to 15th on the ladder, and three wins a drift from eighth.
