AFL Power Rankings: round 16
3. Geelong Cats
The Cats did exactly what they were expected to do on Saturday night, disposing of the Lions by 85 points. As always, Patrick Dangerfield led the way with three goals and 38 disposals. Geelong now prepare for a huge clash with arch-rivals Hawthorn, it what has suddenly become a very intriguing contest.
4. Sydney Swans
Sydney have broken into the top eight for the first time this year, and in many people’s eyes, are a genuine premiership contender. After starting 0-6, the Swans have won eight of their last nine matches, on the back of their superstar midfield and key forward Buddy Franklin. Rule the Swans out at your own behest.
5. Port Adelaide Power
It was looking a bit shaky for Port Adelaide at stages during Sunday’s win over the Eagles, trailing by four goals in the second quarter before running away to a 32-point victory. Sitting fourth on the ladder, there are still some serious question marks over the Power given they’ve failed to topple teams around them on most occasions.
6. Melbourne Demons
The Demons got the better of the Blues in a Sunday nail-biter, winning by just eight points to catapult them to fifth on the ladder. Somehow, Melbourne have managed to cover for their injured co-captains Jack Viney and Nathan Jones, and will have to continue to do so as they deal with their serious injuries. Jesse Hogan made an inspirational return to the footy field after his cancer fight, and could be a real X-factor come the pointy end of the season.
10. Hawthorn Hawks
It what would be one of the greatest AFL comeback stories ever, Hawthorn’s finals chances aren’t over just yet, leaving their GWS clash with a handy two points. Their last three weeks have been exceptional, defeating the Crows away from home, Collingwood, and drawing with the Giants. Just six points a drift from the eight; keep your eye on the Hawks.
11. West Coast Eagles
Sitting just outside the top eight by percentage, the Eagles really wanted to win Sunday afternoon’s match against the Power to keep them in the eight, but it wasn’t to be. Four goals each from Mark LeCras and Jack Darling weren’t enough to cover for injured teammate Josh Kennedy, who the Eagles will be wanting to get out there before it’s too late.
12. Carlton Blues
For most of Sunday’s game, Carlton looked as though they were going to leave with the four points, but they couldn’t hang on in the dying stages, losing to the Demons by eight points. Despite this season being over for the Blues, the future is looking very bright for Carlton, and Brendan Bolton is assembling a very strong list that will look to contend in the years to come.
13. Fremantle Dockers
In one of the many tight contests over the weekend, the Dockers came out on top in their clash with the Kangaroos. Relief for Ross Lyon’s men, following their past fortnight in which they lost to the Cats and Saints by a combined 11 points. Four goals from debutant Ryan Nyhuis was the highlight of the match.
15. Collingwood Magpies
Collingwood’s finals hopes are dead after their loss to Essendon. Poor ball use continues to plague the Magpies, and making it difficult to put enough goals on the board. The pressure on Nathan Buckley is at an all-time high after their most recent loss, and it now seems to be a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ Bucks and Collingwood will part ways.
16. North Melbourne Kangaroos
A late set-shot miss by Todd Goldstein put any chance of an inspirational Kangaroos win to rest, as they lost to Fremantle by four points. These close losses are being all too regular for North Melbourne, who have lost all five of their matches decided by less then ten points.
