I have been watching footy for a long time now and it is quite noticeable that the season doesn’t really settle in until about round four or five. Some teams need time to adjust to a new game plan, key player or coach and can take a while to find their feet whilst others are ready to go right from the opening bounce and lock away vital early victories. The opening round can be quite unpredictable with some sides playing out of their skins (Collingwood, Fremantle) and some sides can come out a bit flat (Dogs, Cats, North). I don’t hold much of what happens in Round One against any team…after all there are 21 weeks left for redemption.
Sandilands' Brownlow medal odds have been slashed, surely he wont win a Brownlow but his ruck work has been the catalyst for Fremantle's rise up the ladder
Round Two is all about making a statement. Clubs that played below their best in Round One like to come out and show how good they can be (Saints, Dogs), some have nowhere to go but down after such a dizzying start (Pies, Blues) and some just come and play as if their lives depended on it (Demons, Swans). The second round can also be misleading but trends and pressure are slowly growing…
Round Three is all about the Heat. Momentum is a wondrous thing and can be both uplifting and destructive. The blowtorch will be applied to a few teams this week and how they respond could determine the course of their season. Big tests are waiting for the Crows, Kangaroos, Eagles, Hawks, Pies, Dockers and Bombers. Those that can pass their tests will start to gain some serious momentum or halt the slide. Those that fail will feel the weight of the world on their shoulders for another week at least…bring it on. It’s only just beginning.
Rankings Shaper Game of the Week: Fremantle v Geelong
Are either of these sides the real deal? Geelong are weaker then they have ever been in the past three years and the Dockers are probably as strong as they have ever been in that same time frame. Geelong has looked slow and lethargic at times this season and this week shapes as a real danger game. The boys in Purple can gain some serious credit points if they are able to knock off the reigning champs. I am really looking forward to it.
On The Up: Fremantle, Carlton (+3)
Falling From Grace: North Melbourne (-4)
Team of the Week: Fremantle – Came to Melbourne and took on a rebounding Essendon and got the job done. They sit second in both points for and against and are playing an exciting brand of footy. Keep it up boys.
| Rank: (Last Week) – Diff | Team | Record | Attack: Rank – Average | Defence: Rank – Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. (1) - | Western Bulldogs | 1-1 | Offence (6th): 106.5 | Defence (8th): 88.5 |
| Despite winning all four quarters and the match by 72 points the Doggies were sloppy against the Tigers on Sunday. It has to be a massive concern for ‘Rocket’ that the Bulldogs woes in front of the goals continue. For such a skilful side they have been terrible at converting in recent times. They put the ball inside 50 over 70 times, took 22 marks inside the forward 50 and had 35 shots at goal yet only managed 120 points. The positive is that they beat an AFL side by 12 goals without getting out of second gear whilst next week’s opponents in Hawthorn had a bruising encounter with the Cats. | ||||
| 2. (3) +1 | St.Kilda | 2-0 | Offence (1st): 119.5 | Defence (1st): 63.5 |
| Interesting to hear Lyon state over the weekend that the Saints have two game plans. One which they used against the Swans that saw them just get over the line and the one on the weekend which saw them obliterate the Kangas right from the word go…I would be sticking with the second one Ross!!! Many positives to come out of the weekend most notable being that they had the game won before Riewoldt had even hit the score sheet. Continue to monster teams through sheer hard work. | ||||
| 3. (4) +1 | Geelong | 2-0 | Offence (3rd): 112.5 | Defence (10th): 92.5 |
| Not sure what to make of the Cats at the moment. They are winning but at what expense? For a side that has played so much top level footy over the last 3 years they are no longer the unbeatables they once were. In the opening two rounds they have had to fight back both times from around 4 goals down in the second half. In previous years they racked up wins against inferior opposition with ease. They are having to spend plenty of petrol now to get themselves over the line. Never thought I would say this but a massive test against Fremantle in Subi awaits this week. | ||||
| 4. (2) -2 | Collingwood | 2-0 | Offence (5th): 107.5 | Defence (9th): 89.0 |
| The M.C.G curse continues. Are having real troubles against sides that exert a lot of physical pressure. It happened in the finals last year; they let a 6 goal lead slip last week after a 20 minute burst from the Dogs and almost did the unthinkable against Melbourne. Had to lay an unprecedented 94 tackles to get the job done against a few savvy veterans and a bunch of plucky kids. Need to make a statement this week against the Saints and show the football world that they are not soft…I am not holding my breath. | ||||
| 5. (5) – | Brisbane Lions | 2-0 | Offence (4th): 110.5 | Defence (5th): 85.0 |
| Another team who have almost limped to a 2-0 record. Unlike the Saints who have other contributors the Lions are relying on Jon Brown to kick them home. They have been behind at 3 quarter time in both games and called upon their fearless leader to do what he does best and whilst he is so very, very good he simply cannot be expected to do it every week. They need to find some other avenues to goal and will be tested against an evenly matched side in Port(away) this weekend. | ||||
| 6. (7) +1 | Port Adelaide | 2-0 | Offence (10th): 92.5 | Defence (4th): 84.0 |
| Did what Port rarely do and backed up their impressive first up win with a solid victory over the Eagles in Perth. They are playing a more committed and defensive style of game this year and it will see them more competitive in most games. The offensive end is a worry and the Lions are developing a solid back unit so scoring will be tough this weekend. Kane Cornes has been a shining light and laid a phenomenal 15 tackles against the Eagles. | ||||
| 7. (9) +2 | Sydney | 1-1 | Offence (9th): 103.0 | Defence (6th): 85.5 |
| WOW! I did not see that coming. Travelled to Adelaide and buried a massive hoodoo by smashing the Crows in the first half. Don’t know what it is that Roos does with these recycled players but it works. All were solid contributors on the weekend with McGlynn being the standout. Look nothing like the Bloods of the last few years with a sense of enthusiasm and vigour through the midfield. Have Richmond this week and will be wary given the Tiges nearly pinched one from them last year at the same venue but both sides are completely different now and I am expecting this new breed of Swan to kick on strongly. | ||||
| 8. (11) +3 | Carlton | 1-1 | Offence (8th): 109.0 | Defence (7th): 85.5 |
| Move up three places despite losing on the virtue that the teams I had rated above them are not showing much at all. Put themselves in a winning position against the Lions but were beaten by a colossus of the game. Lacking a match winner at the moment but have stayed very competitive despite the fact that their captain is on the sidelines. If they can knock the Bombers off this week and get Judd back the next then all of a sudden there will be a little bit of momentum building down at Lygon St. | ||||
| 9. (6) -3 | Adelaide | 0-2 | Offence (14th): 68.5 | Defence (14th): 118.0 |
| I had no idea that an Adelaide side coached by Neil Craig was capable of playing so poorly. Have been horrendous in every department thus far against two sides that failed to play finals last year. Some massive concerns. Goodwin, Edwards, McLeod and Burton have dropped off which is natural but it’s the form of guys like Tippet and Vince that is the big worry. Face a re-juvenated Melbourne at the G this weekend and if they bring anything less than their ‘A’ game they will be beaten. | ||||
| 10. (8) -2 | West Coast | 0-2 | Offence (11th): 84.0 | Defence (12th): 101.5 |
| Hugely disappointed in the Eagles. Had a chance at home to square the ledger but folded when the heat was well and truly on. Cox and Kerr are shells of the players they were and are taking up space at the moment. Must win this week against a North side that’s confidence is at rock bottom. The time has come to make a statement as to whether they want to be in the mix come September. | ||||
| 11. (14) +3 | Fremantle | 2-0 | Offence (2nd): 115.5 | Defence (2nd): 65.5 |
| Are they good or have they played two of the poorest teams of the season so far??? The question will be answered this week when they play the undefeated reigning premiers this Sunday arvo. Barlow proved his astonishing debut was not a fluke and they seem to have a pretty cohesive unit at the moment. Can build some massive momentum if they can get hold of the Cats this week. I think they are quite capable of doing the job… | ||||
| 12. (13) +1 | Hawthorn | 1-1 | Offence (7th): 104.0 | Defence (3rd): 80.5 |
| For the third time since the 2008 GF the Hawks have given their absolute all but come up short against the Catters. They must be sick of it. Have 5 days to recover before playing the Dogs, a side who embarrassed them last year and pumped them in the pre-season, at the Dome on Sunday. Unless they can do something special against the Dogs and Pies over the next fortnight I think Hawks fans are going to have to realise that their team is nowhere near as good as they believe and a shell of the side that won the GF two years ago. | ||||
| 13. (12) -1 | Essendon | 0-2 | Offence (12th): 81.5 | Defence (14th): 119.0 |
| Really horrid performance against the Dockers. Could not defend their home turf against a mob who have had more travelling problems than a car with no engine. Severely lacking leadership when the game is in the balance and are getting scored against far too easily. The Carlton midfield will eat them up if they remain unaccountable this week. I am going to continue to drum in the fact that Knights needs to become more defensively minded. They have some good cattle but the game plan stinks… | ||||
| 14. (10) -4 | North Melbourne | 0-2 | Offence (15th): 60.5 | Defence (15th):119.5 |
| Only Richmond is ranked worse on the offensive and defensive end. For a side that prides themselves on the ‘shinboner spirit’ they were particularly pathetic on the weekend. It was a glorified training drill for the Saints and the Kangas are another side who is bereft of leadership when the chips are down. Harvey’s effort was laughable (and he’s in my DT!!!) and they look a rabble at the moment. I’m tipping a pretty hot contest against the Eagles this week but still think they will fall short. | ||||
| 15. (16) +1 | Melbourne | 0-2 | Offence (13th): 73.0 | Defence (11th): 101.5 |
| Massive effort from the Dees. Gaines a lot of respect in the footy world by taking it right up to the Pies. I think everyone was waiting for Collingwood to put on the gas and pull away but they just couldn’t. Need to bring that sort of intensity week in-week out but being a young side it is hard to see that happening. Can get a win against the Crows this week if they get off to a flier. Have some brilliant young kids coming through on the ground and some more sitting in the stands. Stay strong Demon supporters!!! | ||||
| 16. (15) -1 | Richmond | 0-2 | Offence (16th): 56.0 | Defence (16th): 120.0 |
| TURNOVERS!!! My goodness. The Tigers have been horrible by both hand and foot thus far and that is not something that will change overnight. It is hard to see them winning a game this year and they are the only team yet to win a single quarter. Teams are zoning off them and covering the few dangerous players they have because they know that 80% of their side cannot hit a target. They are wasting time playing anyone over 25 now. Guys like Simmonds, Cousins, King, Tuck and McMahon are goooone. I really feel sorry for them…they are bottoming out at the worst possible time and will languish for the next decade. | ||||
Do You Agree with Deano’s Power Ranking?
If you do or do not, please let us know in the comments section below.
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April 6th, 2010 at 8:41 am
Do find it interesting that Carlton who played one quarter on the weekend get to rise 3 spots on the ladder.
Although in saying that, the ladder is starting to take shape. Expect Fremantle to continue to rise for a few weeks. The injury to Tarrent & Scarlett will both teams Geelong & Fremantle for the up and coming week.
For Geelong I expect them to play a bit like last year where they built up the finals. No point in peaking for round 5, when you have another 18 weeks to go after that.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@Jermayn, i think the thing with geelong is that they were still winning relatively easy last year. Remember they were undefeated until they lost to the saints. As i said the big difference is that they are not as intimidating as they once were and are having to fight for four quarters just to get over the line. This will be the opposite of last September where they cruised through the H&A and were in peak condition come september.
If they can lock away some early wins i think you will see a few blokes rested throughout the year.
April 6th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Not sure how you can put the Bulldogs no.1 after their two games to date. One thing you haven’t mentioned is the fatigue factor in the heat. Teams playing at night and teams not travelling to Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane I suspect will have a big advantage this time of year the following week, have a look at how poorly Adelaide went after the WA trip, Kangaroos after the SA trip and Collingwood after playing in 31 degrees 6 days earlier. Even the Bulldogs were a bit off although they finished strongly. I suspect you will see quite a few upsets the next few rounds.
April 6th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Geelong will be one team to watch this week with fatigue Bob. They had a close tough game against Hawthorn & five days later they fly to Perth & play on the wide ground of Subiaco.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@Bob, the dogs are number one based on the fact that i think that them and the saints are far and away the best two sides in it. Given that the dogs were stiff to lose to the saints in the prelim and smashed them in the NAB final i have them marginally ahead at this stage.
As i mentioned earlier in the write up, the season is yet to settle so i am not reading to much into what has happened in the first two rounds. If the dogs play poorly against the hawks this week and the saints, pies and cats are more impressive then i iwll be looking to make some movement at the top of the tree.
April 6th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Great effort again, Deano. Feel that the Hawks should be way better than the number 13. Next Sunday could see Big Barry snap.
.-= craig eyles´s last blog ..Week 2 AFL Power Rankings =-.
April 6th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I do not think Deano rates defeating Melbourne in the first round. They where probably even worse than Richmond, they were that bad!
I think the lack of a ruckman will hurt them against the top sides. Renouf made Ottens look good.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
@craig eyles, The hawks have a habit of playing out of their skins against the Cats, i think they are up for a cold hard dose of reality over the next two weeks. Ruck stocks are woeful and will be punished against Hudson/Minson and Jolly/Fraser. I wrote earlier in the season that i think their abundance of left footers are hurting them, they are too predictable and you could see the turnover count mount once the cats placed a bit of heat in the last quarter.
Until they do something substantial against a quality opposition they will remain where they are. They have the ultimate chance in the next two weeks to prove me wrong…
April 6th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
what I dont understand Carlton get +3 yet Brisbane win the game!
April 6th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
@Talking Football, hello and thanks for the comment, the reason Carlton have risen is based on three things;
1) i had them too low in my pre-season rankings and they have not dropped off as much as i thought they would.
2) The teams i had above them who i thought would fight it out for a spot in the bottom eight have been woeful(eagles, kangas, crows, bombers) and
3) They are playing good footy without their skipper and spearhead of the last ten years. last year they smashed the tigers in round one and lost to brisbane at the gabba in the finals. this year they have smashed richmond and gone down swinging against the lions despite the fact that judd was out and fev was on the opposite side. On this form they have not dropped off last year’s pace and will be playing finals if this form continues.
Have Brisbane really been that impressive? As i said they have been behind at three quarter time in both games at home against sides that they have been expected to beat comfortably. Do you honestly think that they are better then the four sides i have ranked ahead of them???
April 11th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Jermayn,
I think you got your answer re: Geel and Haw playing in the heat on Mon then fronting up 6 days later. Seems to me playing in the West or even Bris, this time of year is a huge disadvantage. Witness PA and Carl this week. Next week St K and Coll play Freo and Haw and both will have a huge advantage. One thing about playing on Sundays esp in Perth- it sucks!.