AFL Power Poll #19
August 26th 2009 14:35
LANCE Franklin is the name on everyone’s lips in the AFL world this week.
His playing status for this weekend – and possibly the first week of the finals – is set to be a major factor in the make-up of the final eight.
Franklin’s Hawks meet Essendon on Saturday afternoon, with the winner most likely snaring eighth place.
The Bombers will play finals if they win, but Port Adelaide remains a slim chance of snatching the last finals’ spot even if Hawthorn wins.
But the Power would need to score a mammoth victory over the Kangaroos and need the Hawks to win by only a small margin.
Hawthorn officials have appealed Franklin’s two-match ban and the star forward will find out his immediate playing future tomorrow night.
The other intriguing contest is between Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs in the last match of the home-and-away season on Sunday.
The victor claims third place and a first-round finals’ match-up with Geelong.
Round 21’s winners were the Bulldogs (over Geelong), Carlton (Melbourne), Adelaide (West Coast), Brisbane (Port Adelaide), Hawthorn (Richmond), North Melbourne (St Kilda), Collingwood (Sydney) and Fremantle (Essendon).
I rank the 16 AFL clubs on a weekly basis judged on current ladder position, form, injuries and long-term prospects.
I will display clubs’ pre-season and previous week’s ranking in brackets next to my latest rating and write a brief reason why.
PS: pre-season ranking
LW: last week’s ranking
1. St Kilda (PS: 6; LW: 1)
Back-to-back losses for the Saints, but I see no reason to change their ranking at this point. Their losses have come to Essendon and North Melbourne – neither of which is a premiership threat – and I expect them to rise to the occasion come finals’ time. An easy win over bottom-side Melbourne will be nice, but, again, not a real gauge of St Kilda’s true form.
2. Geelong (PS: 2; LW: 2)
I’m refusing to give up on the Cats despite their fourth loss in their past eight matches. They don’t enjoy playing the Dogs, but, at the same time, they still remain short of their best. Stevie J’s return from injury will make a huge difference. He’s only one player, but he’s one special player.
3. Collingwood (PS: 3; LW: 3)
The Magpies may remain in third spot in my rankings, but I certainly rate them as a genuine flag hope. They have strength on every line and, most importantly, depth. Their midfield can compete with the top two sides – no mean feat – and they have a forward line that can kick a winning and a defence, which Simon Prestigiacomo brilliant generals, that can restrict anyone. But the suddenly in-form Bulldogs will be a major challenge this week and the result could go a long way to deciding their fortunes.
4. Western Bulldogs (PS: 7; LW: 5)
Magnificent victory over Geelong that certainly made up for their tight loss to the Cats earlier this season. The Bulldogs are a bizarre side. They began brightly before fading and seem to have returned to top form in recent weeks. They were no match for the Saints in their two meetings, but seem to well and truly up the challenge of the Cats. A third-placed finish is vital for the Dogs’ premiership chances. A big loss against the Pies and the big win for Carlton could yet see them slip to fifth.
5. Carlton (PS: 5; LW: 4)
Took a long time to completely shake the Demons, but wound up busting through the 150-point barrier. The Blues are still an outside chance of claiming the double chance, but need a huge victory over the Crows. They won’t have the services of back-up ruckman Cameron Cloke and small forwards Eddie Betts Jeff Garlett after club officials suspended the trio for turning up late to training. There is clearly more to the story than what has come out so far. Carlton is more likely to finish fifth and will lock horns with Essendon or Hawthorn in the first week of finals.
6. Adelaide (PS: 9; LW: 6)
The Crows continue to stack up the wins, but appear destined to only finish sixth unless they can comfortably defeat Carlton – which isn’t an impossible task. But either way they will have a home elimination final and will pose a threat to the top teams. Adelaide is a very efficient team and that is an underrated tool come finals’ time.
7. Brisbane (PS: 8; LW: 7)
A crucial confidence-booster for the Lions against Port Adelaide in a game that began in horrible fashion for them. They seemed to be going off track in the weeks leading into the match, but may have turned the corner. Brisbane proved it could take it up to the top sides and will be a difficult finals’ opponent if it produces its best. Has a tough contest with Sydney to finish the home-and-away season.
8. Essendon (PS: 13; LW: 8)
It’s hard to keep faith in the Bombers after their amazingly bad performance against the Dockers in Perth on Sunday. But the Hawthorn-type games are the ones Essendon has won this year and I’m backing it to do so again – even if Buddy gets the green light.
9. Port Adelaide (PS: 10; LW: 9)
Welcome to the basket case of the AFL. Saturday night’s clash summed up the good and the bad for the Power. Port Adelaide kicked 10 goals in a breathtaking opening term and led by almost 50 points before going down to an out-of-sorts Brisbane outfit. Should beat North Melbourne at home this weekend, but predictability and the Power certainly don’t go together.
10. Sydney (PS: 11; LW: 10)
The Swannies have to be favourites to beat the Lions at home on Saturday night. Losing to the Magpies in Melbourne by 41 points is no disgrace because the victors may well be this year’s premiership team. Sydney showed plenty before that and Brisbane is struggling, so I’m backing the former to finish strongly.
11. Hawthorn (PS: PS: 1; LW: 11)
A big win over Richmond has sparked the Hawks’ finals’ chances, but it seems to be a case of too little, too late. September action will be much more worthwhile for the Dons than the lacklustre reigning premier. Missing out may just be the kick in the arse Hawthorn needs to launch its 2010 premiership assault. But, having said that, the Hawks are just as likely to sneak into the eight and wreak havoc. Yes, I know, I’m sitting on the fence, but if I have to sway one way I’m going with they’re out.
12. West Coast (PS: 14; LW: 12)
All the momentum the Eagles had built evaporated in a horrid 74-point loss to the Crows last weekend. They hung around for a while before fading badly at AAMI Stadium. A win over Richmond at home in the final round would give them eight wins and have them in position to make a charge at the finals next season. West Coast has a great young list and arguably the best ruckman in the caper. Josh Kennedy is looking more and more likely to become the key forward the Eagles have craved for years, but he needs more support considering Mark LeCras’s possible full-time move into the midfield.
13. North Melbourne (PS: 12; LW: 13)
Well, well, well. Where did that performance come from? The St Kilda victory is the highlight of a dismal season at Arden Street, but new coach Brad Scott appears confident he has a good list to work with. Mature-age recruit Liam Anthony is certainly going to be a star.
14. Fremantle (PS: 16; LW: 15)
Another win at home made sure the Dockers would avoid the wooden spoon. That’s an achievement in itself because Mark Harvey has certainly turned to youth this year. But Fremantle still appears set for more struggles next season as its young players, including Rising Star nominee Nick Suban, develop. By the way, Aaron Sandilands, you’re a star. He only had Tom Bellchambers and Cale Hooker for company on Sunday, but he did exactly what was expected – and required – in a thoroughly dominant performance. He will be an All-Australian again – either in the starting line-up or on the bench. Mitch Clark and Hamish McIntosh are his top rivals.
15. Richmond (PS: 4; LW: 14)
Fall another rung after the Dockers overcame Essendon. The Tigers, on the other hand, fell way short of the Hawks. Damien Hardwick is the new coach at Tigerland and is talking tough, much like those who’ve come before him. There are no five-year contracts this time around – Hardwick has signed for three years – and Richmond fans will have their fingers crossed.
16. Melbourne (PS: 15; LW: 16)
Wasn’t actually that bad on Saturday. It’s amazing at the end of the day to see the Demons give up 150-plus points. Brendon Fevola kicked seven goals despite appearing disinterested for much of the contest. James Frawley had his measure until leaving the ground for a brief period in the third term and youngster Tom McNamara switched onto him, only for Fevola to explode into action. The rest is history. The likely drafting of midfield prodigy Tom Scully is the only positive Melbourne can look forward to this year, but there does appear to be bright skies ahead.
His playing status for this weekend – and possibly the first week of the finals – is set to be a major factor in the make-up of the final eight.
Franklin’s Hawks meet Essendon on Saturday afternoon, with the winner most likely snaring eighth place.
The Bombers will play finals if they win, but Port Adelaide remains a slim chance of snatching the last finals’ spot even if Hawthorn wins.
But the Power would need to score a mammoth victory over the Kangaroos and need the Hawks to win by only a small margin.
Hawthorn officials have appealed Franklin’s two-match ban and the star forward will find out his immediate playing future tomorrow night.
Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin is sweating on a positive result at Thursday night's AFL Appeals Tribunal to see if he can take the field this weekend.
The other intriguing contest is between Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs in the last match of the home-and-away season on Sunday.
The victor claims third place and a first-round finals’ match-up with Geelong.
Round 21’s winners were the Bulldogs (over Geelong), Carlton (Melbourne), Adelaide (West Coast), Brisbane (Port Adelaide), Hawthorn (Richmond), North Melbourne (St Kilda), Collingwood (Sydney) and Fremantle (Essendon).
I rank the 16 AFL clubs on a weekly basis judged on current ladder position, form, injuries and long-term prospects.
I will display clubs’ pre-season and previous week’s ranking in brackets next to my latest rating and write a brief reason why.
PS: pre-season ranking
LW: last week’s ranking
1. St Kilda (PS: 6; LW: 1)
Back-to-back losses for the Saints, but I see no reason to change their ranking at this point. Their losses have come to Essendon and North Melbourne – neither of which is a premiership threat – and I expect them to rise to the occasion come finals’ time. An easy win over bottom-side Melbourne will be nice, but, again, not a real gauge of St Kilda’s true form.
2. Geelong (PS: 2; LW: 2)
I’m refusing to give up on the Cats despite their fourth loss in their past eight matches. They don’t enjoy playing the Dogs, but, at the same time, they still remain short of their best. Stevie J’s return from injury will make a huge difference. He’s only one player, but he’s one special player.
3. Collingwood (PS: 3; LW: 3)
The Magpies may remain in third spot in my rankings, but I certainly rate them as a genuine flag hope. They have strength on every line and, most importantly, depth. Their midfield can compete with the top two sides – no mean feat – and they have a forward line that can kick a winning and a defence, which Simon Prestigiacomo brilliant generals, that can restrict anyone. But the suddenly in-form Bulldogs will be a major challenge this week and the result could go a long way to deciding their fortunes.
Brad Johnson and the Western Bulldogs are back firing and making a serious push for third spot.
4. Western Bulldogs (PS: 7; LW: 5)
Magnificent victory over Geelong that certainly made up for their tight loss to the Cats earlier this season. The Bulldogs are a bizarre side. They began brightly before fading and seem to have returned to top form in recent weeks. They were no match for the Saints in their two meetings, but seem to well and truly up the challenge of the Cats. A third-placed finish is vital for the Dogs’ premiership chances. A big loss against the Pies and the big win for Carlton could yet see them slip to fifth.
5. Carlton (PS: 5; LW: 4)
Took a long time to completely shake the Demons, but wound up busting through the 150-point barrier. The Blues are still an outside chance of claiming the double chance, but need a huge victory over the Crows. They won’t have the services of back-up ruckman Cameron Cloke and small forwards Eddie Betts Jeff Garlett after club officials suspended the trio for turning up late to training. There is clearly more to the story than what has come out so far. Carlton is more likely to finish fifth and will lock horns with Essendon or Hawthorn in the first week of finals.
6. Adelaide (PS: 9; LW: 6)
The Crows continue to stack up the wins, but appear destined to only finish sixth unless they can comfortably defeat Carlton – which isn’t an impossible task. But either way they will have a home elimination final and will pose a threat to the top teams. Adelaide is a very efficient team and that is an underrated tool come finals’ time.
7. Brisbane (PS: 8; LW: 7)
A crucial confidence-booster for the Lions against Port Adelaide in a game that began in horrible fashion for them. They seemed to be going off track in the weeks leading into the match, but may have turned the corner. Brisbane proved it could take it up to the top sides and will be a difficult finals’ opponent if it produces its best. Has a tough contest with Sydney to finish the home-and-away season.
8. Essendon (PS: 13; LW: 8)
It’s hard to keep faith in the Bombers after their amazingly bad performance against the Dockers in Perth on Sunday. But the Hawthorn-type games are the ones Essendon has won this year and I’m backing it to do so again – even if Buddy gets the green light.
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams is maintaining a brave face despite his side's Jekyll and Hyde performances.
9. Port Adelaide (PS: 10; LW: 9)
Welcome to the basket case of the AFL. Saturday night’s clash summed up the good and the bad for the Power. Port Adelaide kicked 10 goals in a breathtaking opening term and led by almost 50 points before going down to an out-of-sorts Brisbane outfit. Should beat North Melbourne at home this weekend, but predictability and the Power certainly don’t go together.
10. Sydney (PS: 11; LW: 10)
The Swannies have to be favourites to beat the Lions at home on Saturday night. Losing to the Magpies in Melbourne by 41 points is no disgrace because the victors may well be this year’s premiership team. Sydney showed plenty before that and Brisbane is struggling, so I’m backing the former to finish strongly.
11. Hawthorn (PS: PS: 1; LW: 11)
A big win over Richmond has sparked the Hawks’ finals’ chances, but it seems to be a case of too little, too late. September action will be much more worthwhile for the Dons than the lacklustre reigning premier. Missing out may just be the kick in the arse Hawthorn needs to launch its 2010 premiership assault. But, having said that, the Hawks are just as likely to sneak into the eight and wreak havoc. Yes, I know, I’m sitting on the fence, but if I have to sway one way I’m going with they’re out.
12. West Coast (PS: 14; LW: 12)
All the momentum the Eagles had built evaporated in a horrid 74-point loss to the Crows last weekend. They hung around for a while before fading badly at AAMI Stadium. A win over Richmond at home in the final round would give them eight wins and have them in position to make a charge at the finals next season. West Coast has a great young list and arguably the best ruckman in the caper. Josh Kennedy is looking more and more likely to become the key forward the Eagles have craved for years, but he needs more support considering Mark LeCras’s possible full-time move into the midfield.
West Coast youngster Josh Kennedy is coming into his own in the Eagles' forward line this season.
13. North Melbourne (PS: 12; LW: 13)
Well, well, well. Where did that performance come from? The St Kilda victory is the highlight of a dismal season at Arden Street, but new coach Brad Scott appears confident he has a good list to work with. Mature-age recruit Liam Anthony is certainly going to be a star.
14. Fremantle (PS: 16; LW: 15)
Another win at home made sure the Dockers would avoid the wooden spoon. That’s an achievement in itself because Mark Harvey has certainly turned to youth this year. But Fremantle still appears set for more struggles next season as its young players, including Rising Star nominee Nick Suban, develop. By the way, Aaron Sandilands, you’re a star. He only had Tom Bellchambers and Cale Hooker for company on Sunday, but he did exactly what was expected – and required – in a thoroughly dominant performance. He will be an All-Australian again – either in the starting line-up or on the bench. Mitch Clark and Hamish McIntosh are his top rivals.
15. Richmond (PS: 4; LW: 14)
Fall another rung after the Dockers overcame Essendon. The Tigers, on the other hand, fell way short of the Hawks. Damien Hardwick is the new coach at Tigerland and is talking tough, much like those who’ve come before him. There are no five-year contracts this time around – Hardwick has signed for three years – and Richmond fans will have their fingers crossed.
16. Melbourne (PS: 15; LW: 16)
Wasn’t actually that bad on Saturday. It’s amazing at the end of the day to see the Demons give up 150-plus points. Brendon Fevola kicked seven goals despite appearing disinterested for much of the contest. James Frawley had his measure until leaving the ground for a brief period in the third term and youngster Tom McNamara switched onto him, only for Fevola to explode into action. The rest is history. The likely drafting of midfield prodigy Tom Scully is the only positive Melbourne can look forward to this year, but there does appear to be bright skies ahead.
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