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Round 3 is done and dusted. It was a good round of football, and we’re starting to get a clearer sense of the rankings. And, yes, the reigning premiers have soared a whole lot higher.
Last week: 3
I made a quip last week about how reports of Geelong’s demise were greatly exaggerated, and their emphatic win only further reinforced that. The Cats’ win was based on a fierce first half – which admittedly wasn’t entirely reflected on the scoreboard – and their busy midfield stocks. And that holds them in good stead in 2019.
Last week: 1
This was probably their most impressive win out of their three. Port’s been a difficult team for the Lions to beat in recent years, which is why the manner of their fourth-quarter victory is deeply impressive. As a Freo fan, though, seeing Lachie Neale flourish at his new club leaves me conflicted: his 43 touches were impactful and made me pleased, but Brisbane’s evidently a much better fit for the midfielder.
Last week: 5
Fine effort, and very fine win. The Giants’ victory was clearly underpinned by their heavy scoring, and they’ve got the duo of Jeremys to thank for that. Huge clash against the Cats next weekend.
Last week: 13
Andrew Gaff’s back, the Eagles win at the MCG again, and they defeat their grand final rivals in pretty convincing fashion. Not a bad Saturday night for the reigning premiers! I’ll admit I’ve placed the Eagles far too low the past fortnight. A win of this style is an apt opportunity to bump way them up the rankings. Where they deserve to be.
Last week: 2
Being down 24 points at quarter time would’ve been surprising. Being down 16 at half time after a period of dominance would’ve been annoying. Being down by five come the final siren would’ve been heartbreaking. Three different margins, three different contextual analyses of the Bulldogs’ first loss of the year.
Last week: 6
I know the term ‘honourable loss’ has been essentially become Carlton jargon of late, but that is a very apt way to describe Port’s loss on Saturday night. Port were more than competitive and had genuine chances to win the clash. Connor Rozee is looking like a genuine star – his five majors second only to Brisbane’s Eric Hipwood, who booted six.
Last week: 4
Two contrasting styles in Sunday’s clash: the Roos’ fast start versus Hawthorn’s slow burn. Seriously impressive debut for Chad Wingard.
Last week: 10
I wanna heap praise on the Suns’ first quarter: that was sen-bloody-sational. It’s not often that the Suns can get such a jump start interstate, and I’d pinpoint those first six goals which meant their margin was largely never threatened. Three in a row, given Carlton next week? Maybe.
Last week: 11
A bad loss, but not a terrible loss. They were well in the game at times, but psychologically the clash will be a bitter pill to take. That’s four straight losses to the Eagles. And given the likeliness of meeting in finals, that’s a bad thing.
Last week: 7
Both the Dockers and the Saints epitomised mediocrity at times, but St Kilda should’ve been the one singing the team song on Sunday evening. An old St Kilda cliche developed: inaccuracy. That’s a pity, because this side could’ve been 3-0.
Last week: 8
On the actual ladder, they’re third. I’m pleased with that. On this ladder, I can’t see ‘em in the top eight. They were just far too bad against the Suns, and far too indifferent against an inaccurate Saints. Luke Ryan at half back though, phwoar. He’s a good one.
Last week: 12
Frustrating loss. But Adelaide’s statistical deficit wasn’t all bad – they gained more disposals and went forward more – but Geelong looked the more polished team. I’m still willing to back the Crows for finals, but just how good is this team?
Last week: 9
Richmond’s not in the best place at the moment. The club is stranded on the one win against the Blues, and have now lost conservative matches against what you could argue to be fellow top-eight contenders. It’s that point that worries me: how much will their much publicised injuries hurt them, and how many more can they afford to lose before the finals vultures start circling?
Last week: 15
Did what they had to do. Once the domain of Lance Franklin, the Swans forward line was flooded with small options this week. Given Franklin’s indifferent start to the season, Heeney, Papley et al. will continue to star. I’m still not at all convinced by the Swans this season, though they are notoriously slow starters.
Last week: 18
Well, they get a bit of a reprieve with their genuinely good win over the Demons. Entertaining game, and the Bombers will be pleased the pressure has been released… just a tad. Twenty goals was lovely to see – perhaps AFL House will be pleased with their Friday night offering.
Last week: 14
I’ll absolutely admit to being one of the many who joined the bandwagon declaring Carlton were likely to win against the Swans. That did fail to materialise, yet Carlton made it look possible for a few moments. Rectifying some damning inaccuracy would’ve made the Swans nervous. Nevertheless, they’re wooden-spoon favourites.
Last week: 16
So they’re zero and three. Did enjoy their first quarter, but they were unable to hold off a fast-finishing Hawthorn, not dissimilar to the Brisbane game last weekend.
Last week: 17
Where to from here? No doubt they contributed to Friday’s surprisingly entertaining affair, but the loss leaves them in a dangerous position. Sydney and St Kilda in the next two weeks allows for some potential wins, but could turn disastrous if they’re not careful.
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