AFL Power Rankings 2018: Round 23

And just like that it’s over, the home and away season finished for another year. The top eight is settled and we look forward to the September finals series.

Thanks for checking out The Roar’s AFL Power Rankings this year.

Last week: 1

Two games clear on top of the ladder, a streak of 21 wins in a row at the MCG, three more and they go back-to-back. The Tigers are the team to beat this September.

Last week: 2

Everyone was talking about what would happen in the top four should West Coast lose to Brisbane, but they were wasted words when the Eagles notched up another solid win and secured their top two spot. Two home finals, this team should go deep into the finals.

Last week: 3

First test in the West was a pass, just. Fremantle challenged all day, but the cream rose to the top and the Magpies found a way to win. They’ll head back to Optus Stadium in two weeks’ time, hopefully with some more firepower in their side.

Last week: 6

Experts wrote them off, but Alistair Clarkson has his Hawks back in the eight and even better, with a double chance. Do they have more surprises left in them? A win against Richmond in a Thursday night final would see them well positioned to make yet another grand final.

Last week: 4

No Franklin, no Sydney and unfortunately, they face a sudden-death finals series. Two weeks until the next game and they should get Buddy and Luke Parker back, this Sydney side will be a force this finals series.

Last week: 7

A win against the Eagles and now a 45-point job on the GWS Giants, Melbourne are in-form and ready to cause some carnage this September. It won’t be easy with some big clashes at the MCG and a possible trip to Perth, but that doesn’t scare the Demons. They are the team to watch this finals series.

Last week: 5

Lost to Sydney, lost to Melbourne, and the Giants limp into the finals. They finish in seventh place and face a tough elimination final Derby, but co-captain Phil Davis promised Hamish McLaughlin several of their players will be available to return from injury.

Can the Giants make it to another preliminary final and go on to the big dance? Let’s just focus on week one and the Swans to start with.

Last week: 8

Yes, Geelong had another 100-point victory this weekend. But do you really want two soft games heading into September?

They remain eighth on the ladder and in my rankings, and will face an in-form Melbourne side at the MCG in 12 days.

Last week: 10

The Bombers finished off the season in fine fashion, demolishing Port Adelaide in the first quarter and holding on to a 22-point victory. A great second half of the season, not quite good enough to crash the finals party though.

Last week: 11

Well, what a way to finish off the season: a 104-point smashing over the bottom side. Injuries made the year challenging, but after featuring in the grand final in 2017, everyone at the Crows should be disappointed with missing out on the finals this year. Plenty for the club to look at over the summer.

Last week: 12

When I tipped this side to win the wooden spoon I knew I had overestimated Carlton, but no one could have predicted the Kangaroos to finish just one win outside the eight.

If North Melbourne get as active as they hope to in trade season, they could well be pushing for a top-eight position in 2019.

Last week: 9

The Power was switched off early at Alberton. The players had left for their holidays and Ken Hinkley was left to comment on the horrible two months that saw Port go from an 11-4 ledger to 12 wins and 10 losses.

Last week: 13

A note to the sides about to tackle the Tigers – the Bulldogs almost pulled off a game plan that beat Richmond. Richmond weren’t at their best, but the Bulldogs were inaccurate in front of goals and could have stolen a victory on Saturday.

Last week: 14

The Lions couldn’t match it with the Eagles, who were gunning for a top-two finish, but the Brisbane Lions are on an upward trend. Only five wins for the season, though they came close so many times.

Last week: 16

After the disappointment of a big loss to Geelong, Fremantle bounced back really well and very nearly sent off their retirees with a win over Collingwood.

However, the nine-point loss ended an average season, where they never really threatened. One positive though, was how many games their young players got, which should help in the years to come.

Last week: 15

Sixteenth place in my rankings and on the AFL ladder, finishing with four wins and draw for the season. It was a disappointing year for the club and its fans and the Saints closed out the year with a loss to the Kangaroos.

Last week: 17

First year under Stuart Dew and while there were no drastic improvements in wins and ladder positioning, there were some positives this season.

They should get a few first round draft picks and if some of their leaders stay, they’re on target for a move up the ladder in 2019.

Last week: 18

Thank goodness that’s over. Two wins in 2018, appalling. The Blues finished with a 104 point loss too, but won the inside 50 count – tell me how that works.