Round 19 AFL Power Rankings & Predictions
There were plenty of surprises in a fruitful Round 18 of AFL action. Will we see more of the same in Round 19?
POWER RANKINGS
Teams are ranked based on a variety of factors, nonetheless their list strength, current form, and expected future performance. For example, if the 1st placed team Sydney were currently to play the 2nd placed Brisbane at a neutral venue, I would expect the 1st (Sydney) to win, based on the strength of their first 17 performances, recent Finals history, and the quality of their available list.
LAUGHING STOCKS
18 – Richmond
A commendable performance against the Giants, but another loss nonetheless. Will need to see an extended stretch of competitiveness to drag them off the bottom.
17 – West Coast
New coach, same West Coast, falling to yet another defeat. Can take plenty of positives from not getting blown out against the form team of the comp, but they’re still in a shit heap. A winnable game to break their funk awaits.
EUROPE IN SEPTEMBER
16 – North Melbourne
The Kangas fell to a debilitating loss against the Swans in Round 18, but there’s much evidence to suggest that was just a one-off. They were playing the best team in the comp, eager to respond after a disappointing fortnight and several key opposition players were making their long-awaited returns (Mills and Parker). Should make a better account of themselves against the Blues.
15 – St Kilda
A lot can change in a week of footy.., and St Kilda learned exactly that. Monstered by Adelaide in a mediocrity showdown, they came crashing back down to Earth after their shocking Sydney upset.
14 – Adelaide
Back to winning ways in a strong showing against the Saints. One of the most dangerous teams out of the finals hunt, they’ll prove a mighty test against the Dons in a rematch of one of the most controversial matches of the season.
13 – Gold Coast
Another home game, another home victory, the Suns remain in striking distance of the Top 8. But the age-old question remains…can they win a bloody away game? I’d think not.
TOP 8 CHALLENGERS
12 – Collingwood
It’s been a devastating month for the Pies in their quest for back-to-back Premierships. Defeat after defeat after defeat, I expect them to fall to another one against the Hawks. Mission Premiership Defence almost dead and buried.
11 – Port Adelaide
Like the Saints, the Power came crashing back down to Earth after their defeat to the Suns. Will bounce back to winning ways and likely make the Finals, but don’t see them making any noise.
10 – Essendon
The Dons were humbled in a shattering Round 18 loss to Melbourne. Have shown some indifferent form since the BYE, whilst others have soared around them. Another danger game awaits against the Crows. Expect the Crows to get right into Sam Draper after his early season antics.
9 – Melbourne
Down on personnel but not on fight and effort, the Dees have shown some signs of life across the past fortnight. Face another must-win clash against the Dockers in a huge Sunday afternoon affair. Can they continue their late-season resurgence?
8 – Hawthorn
Running over the more fancied Freo in the final term, it was an incredibly impressive performance from the Hawks. A mature performance from a young group a week after a devastating defeat, there’s life left yet in their finals charge.
7 – Geelong
An impressive 3-week stretch sees Geelong inside the Top 4. Have one of the easiest fixtures to close the season and should claim the ever-important double chance, but I question their potency. Can defenders-turned-midfielders De Koning and Stewart continue the Geelong resurgence or will they be figured out? Simply too many question marks for me to label them a genuine threat.
DARK HORSES
6 – Fremantle
Fell to a disappointing away defeat which saw them fall into the chasing pack, but lost little to no admirers in a solid showing. Will need to bounce back strongly against Melbourne to solidify their Top 8 spot and continue their pursuit of the ever-crucial double chance.
5 – GWS
Picked up another important victory in Round 18 in their charge to turn their season around. Look to have finally got the engine running after a lacklustre mid-season stretch, but how far can the redemption take them? Should make light work of the home-sick Suns.
4 – Western Bulldogs
Showcased their potent best in a huge Round 18 boilover. Face another tough test in a resurgent Geelong outfit, but should storm to yet another victory. The most slept-on (yet equally inconsistent team) in the comp.
PREMIERSHIP CONTENDERS
3 – Carlton
Falling to a 2nd successive defeat, the Blues make themselves vulnerable to the Top 4 chasing pack. Still very much in the premiership race, but will need to right the ship, starting this week against the Roos.
2 – Brisbane
Have stormed into the Premiership race off the back of 6 successive victories. Boast one of the most talented lists in the comp and sit inside the Top 4 on the ladder proper, they look to have timed their run to perfection. Huge game against the Swans awaits.
1 – Sydney
Jumping back onto the winners list with a monstrous victory over the Roos, the Swans extend their lead in 1st spot. Face an equally monstrous test against the high-flying Lions up at Gabba, to solidify their premiership favouritism.
PREDICTIONS
Essendon v Adelaide
GWS v Gold Coast
St Kilda v West Coast
Hawthorn v Collingwood
Geelong v Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide v Richmond
MATCH OF THE ROUND
Brisbane v Sydney
One of the matches of the season sees the high-flying Lions host the ladder-topping Swans. With the Swans eager to extend their lead on the top of the ladder and re-establish their Premiership favouritism, expect them to claw over the line in a thrilling encounter.
Fremantle v Melbourne
Carlton v North Melbourne
Here’s hoping this week's footy action lives up to the billing! Enjoy the week ahead!
