AFL Power Rankings 2020: Round 3

Apologies in advance for any rankings whiplash: there are some rankings that have been dramatically changed this week. Some big rises, some drops. This weird and very convoluted season continues to make my job an unenviable one.

Last week: 1

Top of the rankings, again. They can do no wrong at the moment. But, like the Suns, they have not faced the best of the best. Far from it. The Eagles next week – depending on West Coast’s form – could pose a bit more of a challenge. But they’re favourites for mine right now.

Last week: 3

After a decisively mediocre draw last week, their game against the Saints on Saturday was more of a return to form than anything revolutionary. Solid win, and the Pies are near enough to the top premiership contender in a bloody weird year.

Last week: 12

Like their Queensland counterparts below, they’ve had a large rise in the rankings. They had a challenge with one WA team last weekend, but this weekend’s clash was easier. Brisbane are among the best teams in the competition and (along with Collingwood) are perhaps the two strongest established premiership threats.

Last week: 14

A ten-place rise is among the biggest I’ve ever given a team on these rankings. They were brilliant, yes. But remember: they’ve played a struggling West Coast and utterly crap Adelaide in the past fortnight. I’m personally quite happy to see them doing well, but I’m not totally convinced this is going to be a year with big expectations… yet.

Last week: 10

Hawthorn, I underestimated you. Badly. You began a trend of my tips being horribly wrong, but I’ll forgive you on the basis of Thursday’s terrific win over the reigning premiers. That’s two terrific wins, one horrible loss for the Hawks thus far this year.

Last week: 5

The single most infuriating team to place on the ladder. I was (rightly) criticised for their too-high ranking last week, and then they go and win. As such, they remain in the top eight, very narrowly above North (who they beat on the weekend).

Last week: 2

Their form didn’t carry over into this third round, with the Kangaroos not managing to defeat Sydney. I appreciate they made it competitive in the final term, but it isn’t enough. They’re not doing too badly, but that defeat will frustrate them.

Last week: 4

Yet another tipsters favourite to fall this weekend, they at least failed slightly more competitively than the two teams below them on these rankings, which is the only thing that saved them from a greater ranking fall.

Last week: 7

Yikes. The biggest upset of the round – bar none – saw a lethargic Cats downed by … (checks notes) … Carlton? I hesitate to read into this game on a broader scale, but it’s no doubt concerning.

Last week: 8

I said last week they’re not looking very much like reigning premiers at the moment, and I stand by that. They didn’t have Dustin Martin, but I don’t think it would’ve mattered if they did. Their first loss in over a year.

Last week: 16

When I say Eddie Betts won a game for team, you immediately think he kicked a goal, right? Not so. A game-saving tackle secured the Blues an unlikely win on Saturday. Perhaps the best the Blues have played in a long while (excluding the final term) and a thoroughly deserved win.

Last week: 6

Hub life is not going well for the Eagles. The Eagles kept it close for a term, but they were so thoroughly outplayed for much of the game any optimism for a win evaporated quickly. Their clash against Port is bound to be illuminating.

Last week: 13

Speaking as a Freo fan, I loved the first term. No obligation is going to be enough to compel me to comment on the remainder of the game. Gold Coast next week is so far from a certainty I’m inclined to tip against my own team.

Last week: 11

After last week’s excellent victory, they fell a back to earth with a loss to the Pies. I’d maintain this is a fairly regulation loss, more than many games this weekend. Their game against Richmond next weekend is bound to be very intriguing.

Last week: 9

Didn’t accumulate any luck of the Irish this week. They fall because of movement on the ladder, not because they’re responsible for (nearly) throwing the game into more turmoil. I promise.

Last week: 18

They’re off the bottom of the (power rankings) ladder! I can’t say I excepted Friday night’s win, which was one of several upsets this week. The Dogs looked mighty fine, but one win doesn’t make a season.

Last week: 17

Ended up not playing, making it hard to judge them. Don’t read much into their positioning. Or do, your choice.

Last week: 15

No doubt about it, that was a terrible performance – for the second week in a row. If the Suns kicked accurately in their first term…. shudder.