The AFL season is heating up, and it's time to dive into the Power Rankings, where we take a closer look at the teams that are hot and the ones that are not. In this edition, we're focusing on the Swan, a superstar who has been overlooked by many, and the flag contender that nobody is talking about. But first, let's get to the rankings.
The Rankings
Fremantle (14-2, 141.6%): Despite losing to GWS, Fremantle remains at the top of the rankings. The decision to fly a full-strength side to Canberra for a surprising loss raises questions, but the team's overall performance and winning streak cannot be ignored. They're not missing the top two, and that's all that matters.
Brisbane Lions (10-6, 111.7%): The Lions are on a roll, having defeated two of the leading flag contenders. Their performance against Geelong was impressive, and they deserve their second spot. However, their defense is still a concern compared to Fremantle's.
Geelong (9-7, 117.1%): The Cats are in third place, but their defense and Jeremy Cameron's form are a cause for concern. They'll need to improve if they want to make the Grand Final, especially with both him and the backline faltering.
Sydney Swans (13-3, 136.9%): The Swans are a force to be reckoned with, and Charlie Curnow's recent form has been impressive. However, his reliance on goals against weaker defenses raises questions about his overall impact.
Hawthorn (10-5-1, 110%): The Hawks are still a strong team, but their percentage is irrelevant due to a draw against the Pies. They need to hope they don't run into Melbourne during the finals, as their two worst games of the season have come against them.
Melbourne (10-6, 106.3%): The Demons are in the hunt for a top-four finish and have an impressive record against the top 10 teams. They're within the realms of possibility for a premiership, which is a remarkable turnaround from just four months ago.
Adelaide Crows (10-6, 111.4%): The Crows are in seventh place, but their remaining draw is tricky, including away games against the Swans and Freo, as well as the frisky Pies and Giants at home. They need to put the foot down against the Suns to ensure their percentage matters.
Carlton (8-8, 96%): The Blues are in wildcard contention, but their recent form is questionable. They need to get the job done against the Magpies and Suns over the next two weeks to secure their spot in the finals.
Collingwood (8-7-1, 104.4%): The Pies are finding form just in time, but they need to win their next two games against North and Carlton to secure a top-10 finish. Knowing this group, they'll scrap their way to victory, but they can make things easier on themselves.
Western Bulldogs (9-7, 90.8%): The Bulldogs are closer to the level of Carlton, Collingwood, St Kilda, or GWS than any of the sides above them. Their season will be a success if they win the wildcard final, but it won't feel great if they get belted on their way out.
St Kilda (7-9, 105.5%): The Saints have improved significantly, with a 17-point rise in percentage from last year. They need to beat Port Adelaide to secure their spot in the finals.
GWS Giants (7-9, 100.8%): The Giants are in no rush over their deal with Greene, but their recent form is questionable. They need to win against Geelong to face any of the top teams in September.
Port Adelaide (6-10, 102.5%): The Power are in 13th place, just one win out of 13th and two wins out of the wildcard spots. Their ethical tank is falling apart, and they need to turn things around quickly.
Gold Coast Suns (7-9, 100.7%): The Suns are in danger of finishing in the bottom four, threatening to make the biggest in-season fall in ladder history. They need to turn things around quickly to avoid a sad history.
North Melbourne (8-8, 91.1%): The Kangaroos dropped out of the 10 with their loss to Port Adelaide. They need to beat the Magpies to secure their spot in the finals, but their remaining draw is tough.
West Coast Eagles (4-12, 71.5%): The Eagles are a sneaky upset chance against the Bulldogs, but their record at Marvel Stadium is 0-11 with an average losing margin of 10 goals. It's less than a feather.
Richmond (2-14, 63.3%): Still better than Essendon, which is all that matters.
Essendon (1-15, 69%): Eww.
The Swan and the Flag Contender
Now, let's shift our focus to the Swan, a superstar who has been overlooked by many. Charlie Curnow has been on fire, leading the Coleman Medal leaderboard after Friday night. However, our perception was that he's been disappointing, and his resume has been boosted by a reliance on goals against weaker defenses. While he's an impressive player, it's important to consider the overall impact of his performance.
As for the flag contender that nobody is talking about, it's hard to ignore the Adelaide Crows. Despite their tricky remaining draw, including away games against the Swans and Freo, as well as the frisky Pies and Giants at home, they have the potential to make a run for the top six. If they can put the foot down against the Suns, their percentage could prove crucial in securing their spot in the finals.
In my opinion, the Crows are the flag contender that nobody is talking about, and their recent win over Melbourne could prove the difference. They need to keep up the momentum and put the foot down against the Suns to secure their spot in the finals. While the Swans and Fremantle are strong contenders, the Crows have the potential to surprise and make a run for the premiership.
