Round 8 Power Rankings & Predictions
Footy returned to some normality in Round 7. Will we see something different, or more of the same in Round 8?
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 GWS were currently to play the 2nd placed Geelong at a neutral venue, I would expect the 1st (GWS) to win, based on the strength of their first 7 performances, recent Finals history and the quality of their available list.
18 – North Melbourne
Another week, yet another disaster, things are looking bleak for the Kangas. Sitting pretty on the bottom of the ladder, they’ve gone missing since half-time of Round 2. Have a chance to reverse their fortunes against the topsy, turvy Saints, but a win remains a stretch.
17 – Hawthorn
If momentum was a thing, Hawthorn have put it to bed. An absolute horror show on their home deck with the legendary Buddy Franklin in attendance, the Hawks need more than Will Day to turn around their fortunes.
16 – West Coast
After one of the more perplexing moves of the season (the resting of Harley Reid), the Eagles were brutally dispatched in Round 7. Quickly putting to bed any thoughts of an Eagles turnaround, they’ll be keen to make it 3 home victories in a row, but they’ll face a tough test in the Dons. Not quite good enough to consistently stick it to the Finals contenders yet.
15 – Richmond
They may only have 1 win to their name, but the Tigers have been admirable in 2024. With little to no expectation in the lead-up to the season, they’ve proven a tough test for several Finals contenders. Expect them to match it with Freo but ultimately fall short in a game indicative of their season.
14 – Adelaide
Brilliant one week, pathetic the next, the Crows are one of the biggest enigmas in the AFL. With a star-studded forward line and an attack-at-all-costs Game Plan, they’ll ruffle some heavyweight's feathers. But they’re just not good enough to make the 8 and contend on a regular basis.
13 – Gold Coast
The Suns season has been a story of two venues. At home, they’re gladiators. Away, they’re hopeless. Remain a big chance to again topple their Queensland counterparts but with the Lions eager to put an end to their meagre early season run, expect the Suns to be toppled away from home again in Round 8.
12 – St Kilda
Came mighty close to toppling the Power in Round 7, but it wasn’t to be. With a match against low-hanging fruit in the Kangas, they should make a long-awaited return to the winners list. Not out of Finals yet, but there’s much ground to make.
11 – Western Bulldogs
After a demolition job of fellow finals contenders, St Kilda, it was back to reality for the Dogs. Just not good enough to compete on a consistent basis, they’ll need a few heavyweight topplings to land a Top 8 spot. For the moment, they look a little off the pace.
10 – Brisbane
From pre-season premiership favouritism to winless at home, the Lions are outside the 8 after 7 rounds. Alarm bells are beginning to ring, but you just know this star-studded team, with a star-studded lineup is going to be right in the mix come the pointy end of the season. How long is too long for the Lion to awaken?
9 – Essendon
Essendon have been one of the surprises of the early season. But when you’re on, you’ve got to make the most of your opportunities. Had Collingwood on the ropes during their ANZAC Day encounter, but let them back into the fight. Need to be more clinical if they’re to snag a spot in the Top 8.
8 – Fremantle
With recent finals experience and the enormity of their Optus home-ground advantage, the Dockers claim the last spot in the 8. Should dispose of Richmond in a tightly contested affair, but it’s the following 4 that will really dictate their season. Genuine Top 8 sides in Sydney, Melbourne and Collingwood in 3 of their next 4 to define their season.
7 – Collingwood
They’re currently in 7th, but they could very easily rise or fall. The Pies have been far improved since their early season-BYE, but their lethargic starts have finally come to bite them. Not the same team without Nathan Murphy, but they remain a team very much in the Finals hunt. This week’s clash against Carlton will show us where they’re at.
6 – Port Adelaide
The Power have been far from their best in the last 3 weeks. After barely scraping over the Dockers and Saints, and on the receiving end of an MCG demolition by Collingwood, they’ll be hoping a big win in the Showdown will give them the much-needed boost they need. In the biggest inner-state rivalry in footy, expect Port to turn the Power off on a Crows redemption.
5 – Melbourne
The last of the genuine Premiership contenders, the Dees sit just outside the Top 4. Need to overcome their forward line woes if they are to be a genuine force in September, and that starts this week with a win against undefeated 2022 Premiers Geelong. Don’t be surprised if they reign supreme.
4 – Carlton
A week after a momentum-building GWS victory, the Blues were bested in a soul-crushing Geelong defeat. Will be kicking themselves for forward inaccuracy and defensive lapses, but there’s no time for complacency as they face the Pies. You’d expect them to bounce back with a strong victory, but in fierce rivalries like these, you just never know.
3 – Sydney
The Swans may be the most silently brilliant team in the AFL. Free from the Buddy Show, they’ve enjoyed an exceptional start amid newfound footy obscurity. With one of the recruits of the season (Brodie Grundy), the Brownlow Medal leader (Isaac Heeney) and the best coach in the game (John Longmire), the Swans are right in the hunt for a Top 2 spot. That means passing big tests, like this week against cross-town rivals GWS.
2 – Geelong
After 7 Rounds, I’ve finally bought tickets to the Geelong hype train. Scintillating in their 7–0 start to the season, they’ve all but locked in a Finals spot. Hard to be picky when you’re going this well, but Cats fans will be hoping their outer Melbourne gang haven’t peaked too early. Another massive game against the Dees this week.
1 – GWS
Geelong are 7–0, but there is no better team than the 6–1 Giants. Have a massive clash against fellow Top 2 contenders Sydney, but as good teams do, they should get the job done. Haven’t yet hit their straps, but you just know this Giants team will be firmly in Premiership contention come finals time. Simply no weaknesses in this incredibly talented side.
PREDICTIONS
Adelaide v Port Adelaide
Carlton v Collingwood
GAME OF THE ROUND
Sydney v GWS
In a week rich with fierce rivalries, it’s the Battle of the Bridge that takes the cake. A mouth-watering matchup with huge Top 2 ramifications, it promises to be one of the hardest matches to tip. GWS to take down the Swans on their home deck for mine.
St Kilda v North Melbourne
Melbourne v Geelong
West Coast v Essendon
Richmond v Fremantle
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn
Brisbane v Gold Coast
Hope you enjoy this cracking round of footy. I’ll see you again this time next week!
