AFL power rankings round 22
2. GWS
If you thought Josh Kelly’s contractual situation would hinder his output, think again because his 43 touches and a goal would prove it’s having zero effect. Led by Kelly, the Giants held off a fast-finishing Eagles outfit to eventually win by 21 points. The win kept GWS in second, and now means this weekend’s clash with the Cats can secure a home final in the first week of September.
5. Geelong
The Cats scraped across the line against the Pies on Saturday to remain in third, but doubts over their premiership credentials still linger. Led once again by Patrick Dangerfield, the chances of a Geelong win looked unlikely after they trailed by 28 points in the first quarter. The Cats are locked into a top four spot, but will be fighting for a home final when they tackle the Giants at Simmonds Stadium on Saturday night.
9. West Coast
West Coast’s pursuit for a ticket to September has been made a lot tougher following their loss to Giants, and with Adelaide waiting for them on Sunday, it could spell heartbreak for Eagles who have found the going tough this season. The one shining light for the Eagles could be the Coleman Medal which forward Josh Kennedy looks likely to receive, given he leads the race by four goals over Essendon’s Joe Daniher. They are set to play the last game of the home and away season, so their fate could already be decided, or in their hands!
12. Hawthorn
Friday night’s clash with the Dogs will be the farewell game for Hawthorn icon Luke Hodge who has served the club so well in his time in the brown and gold. Hodge was unable to lead his backline brigade to a win on Saturday night against the Blues, who got the better of the Hawks by just seven points. The Hawthorn faithful will be hoping their side can give Hodgey a fitting farewell against the Western Bulldogs this weekend.
13. Carlton
The Blues ended a 12-year hoodoo against the Hawks on Saturday night to give some respite to the fans who have had to endure so much this season. 34 touches from Marc Murphy were instrumental in the result that now ensures that they will avoid the wooden spoon.
15. Gold Coast
Gary Ablett’s absence from the Suns side this weekend meant that the little master would go without a farewell game at Metricon Stadium. His omission certainly didn’t help his side, which lost to the travelling Bombers by 33 points. Tough times for the Suns…
