AFL Power Rankings: Round 8 (or reality checks and balances)

Rank

LW

Team

Record

Comment

1

1↔

Collingwood

7-1

Yep, they’re looking good. The big test, and perhaps the biggest game of the year, this Friday. Should be a cracker.

2

3↑

Geelong

6-2

As I said last week, when they’re going no one can stop them, and I think they’re pretty well going – this week will be the test.

3

4↑

Carlton

5-3

The Blues ran over the Power in the last quarter – which gives them great momentum for this week against the Hawks.

4

2↓

Fremantle

6-2

A set back, but they still look good, though a trip to the SCG is never easy, and they will want to win to stop the jitters from setting in.

5

9↑

Bulldogs

5-3

Things for the first time for a while clicked, and they played like everyone thought they would prior to the season. Need to beat North this week to consolidate. 

6

5↓

St Kilda

5-3

The Saints have hit a major speed hump – good thing their next 3 rounds are the Eagles, Crows and Tigers.

7

6↓

Port Adelaide

5-3

Port were found wanting in the last quarter, they now travel to Darwin to play Melbourne.

8

7↓

Sydney

5-3

A bad loss, this week against the Dockers is setting up as a big test of whether or not they’re good enough to play finals.

9

8↓

Brisbane

4-4

Wow, four losses in a row. The Lions must be grateful to the AFL that they now get to play the Crows, so at least that’s one win they can pencil in.

10

11↑

Essendon

3-5

A big win for the club, that keeps them in touch. A win over the Tigers this week will have them just a game out of the eight.

11

12↓

North Melbourne

4-4

North played 3 good quarters and 1 horrible one. They very nearly blew it. Will not be so lucky if they do that against the Bulldogs this week.

12

10↓

Melbourne

3-5

Hmmm…. it’s starting to look like those 3 wins were a bit of a mirage in the desert. With Port, Geelong, Carlton and Collingwood ahead, things don’t look too bright.

13

13↔

West Coast

3-5

A rare win away from Perth; now they face the Saints to see if they can win 3 in a row.

14

14↔

Hawthorn

2-6

Oooh the Hawks nearly lost that one. Is their season back on track? You’re kidding right? They nearly got beat by Richmond! Carlton this week is a more honest test.

15

15↔

Adelaide

1-7

Like last week they only started playing in the 4th quarter. They looked good then, but by then it was too late.

16

16↔

Richmond

0-8

Another of the very many good honest losses by the Tigers. But to be honest, their supporters should feel positive about the future – Jack Riewoldt will be a star.