AFL power rankings: Cats sharpen claws; Bombers soar

Ladders and points tables can at times be misleading and, therefore, a misguided identification of where a team ranks to the rest of the competition.

This is the first of a weekly series that will hopefully create discussion in regards to how a team is truly performing.

I give you the power rankings at the conclusion of Round 3″

1. Geelong, 3-0. Wins over three credentialed teams in Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Carlton see the Cats ranked first. Geelong simply refuses to be written off as a contender, and have the three biggest scalps to date. It’s a testament to their depth, as the Cats arguably has the best bottom six players of any team.

2. Essendon, 3-0. Two huge wins interstate, both backs-to-the-wall, sees the Bombers flying after three weeks. Last weekend’s effort in the west was huge considering the scrutiny around coach James Hird. Beating Fremantle is nothing to be sneezed at. Can they sustain it?

3. Sydney, 3-0. Games against the Gold Coast and GWS in the first two weeks were never going to be true indicators for the Swans. However, their convincing second-half against 2012 finalists North Melbourne highlighted why they are the reigning premiers. The addition of McGlynn adds potency while we still wait for Kurt Tippett.

4. Hawthorn, 2-1. Last two weeks have been simply breathtaking. Ominous signs for the lesser teams in the competition, as the Hawks have beaten two top four teams by a combined margin of 105 points. A fully fit Luke Hodge has taken the Hawks to another level. Brian Lake and Brad Sewell still to return.

5. Collingwood, 2-1. The Pies were flying up until last weekend when they ran into a rampant second-half Hawthorn outfit. Won two games they were expected to win and keep producing lively forwards who just slot in seamlessly. Huge tick for their depth. Face an intriguing test in Richmond this weekend.

6. Richmond, 2-1. Carlton’s form this year suggests Round 1 wasn’t a massive scalp, but the psychological boost is unquestionable. Wins over the Saints and Dogs were to be expected. Tyrone Vickery’s return has added aerial potency inside 50. Litmus test of the sternest variety at the MCG on Saturday afternoon in the form of Collingwood.

7. Fremantle, 2-1. Really shouldn’t have let the Bombers back into the match considering the lead they had in addition to the greasy conditions. Second-half fade outs in their last two matches are the only real cause for concern. Real opportunity this weekend as the Hawks loom in Tasmania.

8. West Coast, 1-2. Emphatically registered their first win of the year albeit against Melbourne. Despite two tough encounters, which had alarm bells ringing in the west, the Eagles are well positioned to climb the ladder with a friendly six-week stretch of games filed under the “should win” category.

9. Port Adelaide, 3-0. Harsh? Possibly. The Power is a much improved outfit from 2012, so congratulations to Ken Hinkley. However, wins over Melbourne and GWS aren’t exactly breaking news, while Adelaide simply isn’t the same team as 12 months ago. West Coast in Round 5 will be a more appropriate marker.

10. North Melbourne, 0-3. Should have won one if not both of Collingwood and Geelong games. Their ladder position doesn’t look healthy, but they’ve proven they can match it with the beasts of the competition. Disappointing second-half against the Swans last week, but the Kangaroos should make amends against the Lions this week.

11. Adelaide, 1-2. Absence of the he-who-shall-not-be-named seems to be hurting the Crows dearly. Three games that would’ve been penciled in as W’s before the season. Teams are focusing a lot more attention into Patrick Dangerfield, but unfortunately teammates aren’t picking up the slack. Favourable fortnight ahead.

12. Carlton, 0-3. A lot was expected pre-season by the arrival of Mick “the messiah” Malthouse, so few Blues’ supporters would’ve predicted a 0-3 start. Carlton is leaking points big time and it appears the game style doesn’t fit the team. It’s not too late to turn it around, but things must start happening fast.

13. Western Bulldogs, 1-2. Put the Lions to the sword and then avoided being put to the sword at the hands of the Dockers. Came crashing back to earth against the Tigers to the tune of 67 points, but it could’ve been more. Clearances aren’t the problem, but the Dogs would do well to limit the opponent’s damaging players – Cotchin 35, Martin 35, Deledio 27 and three goals.

14. Brisbane, 1-2. On the board, although they did everything they could to remain winless. Narrowly held off the Suns in Q-Clash V, but the Lions haven’t been able to mimic their spread and uncontested possession chain so prominent throughout the NAB Cup. Brisbane must find a way to release Daniel Rich from the hard-tag.

15. Gold Coast, 1-2. Development and improvement is on show for all to see. Probably should’ve beaten the Lions but had too many passengers on the night. Port Adelaide at home is another opportunity for upset, but the potential loss of Charlie Dixon would be huge.

16. St Kilda, 1-2. Did what most expected against the Giants, putting them away by 72 points. The Saints have the potential to be ranked higher, however the first round loss to Gold Coast is concerning. Finals are probably out of the picture but they can sure as hell still cause a headache or two for the better sides. Tough three weeks ahead with Essendon, Sydney and Collingwood.

17. GWS, 0-3. Competitive against the Swans in round one, but have been figuratively put back in their corner at the hands of St Kilda and Port Adelaide. The battle of the wooden spoon looms this weekend, and you can bet your bottom dollar the Giants will be up for the occasion.

18. Melbourne, 0-3. Fought hard for a half against West Coast, but then retreated to familiar ways. Colin Sylvia responded well to criticism, but the application of the entire team was woeful. The Eagles won by 94 points yet still managed to out tackle their opponents 78-56. All hell breaks loose if they lose to the Giants this weekend.