AFL ladder Round 6: Adelaide unbeaten, Richmond and Geelong lose for first time
ADELAIDE is the only unbeaten team as GWS climb above Geelong and Richmond and Melbourne sneaks back into the top eight. How is your club placed after Round 6?
ADELAIDE is the only unbeaten team after Geelong and Richmond suffered their first loss of the season.
The Giants climbed above the Cats and Tigers after their slip-ups, while Melbourne snuck back into the top eight.
At the other end, Carlton, Collingwood and North Melbourne scored much-needed win but Sydney is the only club yet to taste success.
JON ANDERSON analyses every club after Round 6.
1. ADELAIDE (6-0-0) 160.9%, 24PTS
How many would recognise the Crows’ coach on the street? Or know his name? Now Don Pyke’s challenge is to keep them playing at this level until September.
2. GWS GIANTS (5-0-1) 133.3%, 20PTS
Has any team assembled a better group of mid-size running defenders? The Giants must get their midfield back together for they are a long way off their best 22.
3. GEELONG (5-0-1) 131.9%, 20PTS
Menzel’s absence added to a dysfunctional forward line. The Cats were smashed in the guts. Parfitt’s injury-enforced lay-off will rob them of his rare composure and sidestep.
4. RICHMOND (5-0-1) 112.0%, 20PTS
When you lose like that, you look at the bottom six players. That has been the Tigers’ issue for all of Hardwick’s tenure. That’s why they need more from Caddy and Prestia.
5. PORT ADELAIDE (4-0-2) 152.2%, 16PTS
When Dixon is hot Port has the tools to be a top-four contender. Got to get Polec back to his running best as he is a barometer for this outfit.
6. WEST COAST (4-0-2) 113.1%, 16PTS
So good to watch in the first half, but what’s it prove? That the Eagles are bloody good at home? We knew that. Beating Port in Adelaide, now you’re talking. We await the response.
7. WESTERN BULLDOGS (4-0-2) 110.5%, 16PTS
The Dogs’ coaches won’t feel this way but, from the outside, this performance suggested they’re on the way back to 2016 levels. They just need to find their best 22.
8. MELBOURNE (3-0-3) 108.4%, 12PTS
A clever coaching performance to conjure up a viable ruck/forward set-up. But can it work against the big boys? The composure and execution of Lewis was vital.
9. ST KILDA (3-0-3) 106.0%, 12PTS
Steele and Stevens’ impact has been significant, helping spread the load and boost midfield numbers. McCartin’s seven goals in the VFL hopefully sees him return against GWS.
10. ESSENDON (3-0-3) 91.7%, 12PTS
When Essendon led the possession count in a horrible first half of footy, Daniher couldn’t convert. His goalkicking threatens to derail his career. Holler for a Lloyd.
11. FREMANTLE (3-0-3) 75.2%, 12PTS
Probably a fair assessment of the Dockers position. Will win their share of games but lack the class to make the eight. Then again, if Walters could regain his magic, things could change.
12. COLLINGWOOD (2-0-4) 93.3%, 8PTS
Why do coaches tell us the days of taggers are gone? Would have thought Greenwood did OK on Selwood. Finally reward for midfield dominance for the Pies. And how good is their draw?
13. GOLD COAST (2-0-4) 89.0%, 8PTS
Australia is a great country but we have our share of morons. How else can you describe football supporters who boo Gary Ablett? He’s scrupulously fair, modest and brilliant.
14. CARLTON (2-0-4) 74.8%, 8PTS
Simpson’s best game for the year, ditto Docherty and Wright. The latter is a smart footballer. Loved the Blues’ tackling efficiency and pressure. How good having two Silvagnis?
15. NORTH MELBOURNE (1-0-5) 86.7%, 4PTS
Have rarely seen a team that went 0-5 get less negative attention. There’s a reason and it’s because Brad Scott and his men are clearly laying the foundations for what should be a bright future.
16. BRISBANE LIONS (1-0-5) 68.4%, 4PTS
Every young crew is allowed a flogging but that doesn’t excuse the highly-paid senior players. The key is to hit back hard as Carlton did after being belted by the same mob.
17. HAWTHORN (1-0-5) 65.2%, 4PTS
The Hawks’ impressive win over West Coast made Saturday’s carnage worse and suggests their issues are more in the head. O’Meara’s lack of form is puzzling.
18. SYDNEY SWANS (0-0-6) 76.6%, 0PTS
Maybe its first win comes next Sunday against the Lions. If not then, you have to ask how deep the Swans’ troubles are.
Originally published as AFL ladder Round 6: Adelaide unbeaten, Richmond and Geelong lose for first time
Jones hit with monster blow as Dogs’ injuries mount
The injury news keeps getting worse and worse for the Western Bulldogs, with a massive blow dealt to its defensive stocks after key pillar Liam Jones learned the extent of his hamstring strain.
Conspiracy? The real reason more first-round compo is coming
Last year, clubs were shocked St Kilda was handed first-round free agency compensation for Josh Battle. Now, the truth behind what happened – and why it will continue – can be revealed.