Super Ladder: How your club is placed after Round 8

It wasn’t pretty - at all - but Melbourne chalked up another four points to resurrect their year. Jon Anderson assesses every club and reckons the confidence will shortly come for the Dees.

Melbourne celebrate the win.

Five teams are equal eighth on points after another dramatic round, while Melbourne kept its finals hopes alive despite playing an “unwatchable” brand of footy.

Scroll down to see the full ladder after Round 8 and Jon Anderson’s formguide on every team.

THE TACKLE: THE DAY AFL INTEGRITY DIED

YOUR SAY: VOTE FOR YOUR BEST ON GROUND

SUPERCOACH: TIME TO RAGE TRADE HEENEY

1. GEELONG 28 145.6%

The Cats looked tired at times after a challenging early campaign. No coincidence that Ben Brown’s three quick goals came when key interceptor Tom Stewart was off. Charlie Constable is a quiet achiever, while it seems the harder they boo, the better Ablett plays.

2. COLLINGWOOD 24 126.1%

MCG, 70,000, just another chance for Buckley’s Boys to perform under September-like spotlight. Arguably Callum Brown’s best game and as you would expect, given his parentage, his one percenters were through the roof.

3. ADELAIDE 20 118.1%

Alex Keath, Mason Cox, Mark Blicavs, Hugh Greenwood or Zach Tuohy? Who is the best to come from another sport into the AFL? Keath is right up there on current form. As for his team, anything but a win would have been unacceptable given the quality of players Port had out.

4. GWS GIANTS 20 116.3%

The Giants crave respect but they won’t ultimately get it until they win a flag, and to do that they have to win at their nemesis, which is the MCG. It comes down to the availability of Mummy, and I doubt that any single player has more influence on his team’s form.

The Giants won’t get respect until they win at the MCG. Picture: AAP

5. BRISBANE LIONS 20 103.8%

Eric Hipwood is now what he was two years ago, a highly promising 202cm mobile forward. Some of us possibly forget he’s still only 21. The challenge for him and his mates is to stay in the game.

6. RICHMOND 20 98.5%

Too much run, too much desire and a system that thankfully broke down the Ross Lyon system. Suspect this group is still going to figure strongly when the whips get cracking. The surprising part is how many of their so-called faithful tipped Freo, including some colleagues.

7. WEST COAST 20 97.4%

They have plenty of time to rediscover their cohesion so it comes down to winning ugly which they are doing of late. It was appropriate that Jamie Cripps should celebrate his 150th with typically high pressure, selfless acts.

8. FREMANTLE 16 112.7%

They travel across the land and take care of the Giants in a place where politicians live, then produce that insipid effort at home. Hard to see them featuring too prominently in September, mainly because their midfield runs too thin.

9. HAWTHORN 16 105.4%

Just as Bobby Fischer was a genius at chess, Alastair Clarkson is a genius at Australian rules. On Sunday it showed via youngsters James Cousins, Harry Morrison and Jack Scrimshaw playing to optimum levels. The Hawks are a club that refuse to wither away.

James Cousins enjoys a goal with Jaeger O’Meara. Picture: AAP

10. WESTERN BULLDOGS 16 102.7%

When it’s tight at halftime, top eight sides will normally win the premiership quarter. And it will come from guns like Josh Dunkley, Aaron Naughton and The Bont. Sam Lloyd provided exactly what they recruited him for — goals, run and composure.

11. PORT ADELAIDE 16 102.6%

Down to 21 men after 10 minutes and with six of arguably their best 10 watching on, they just ran out of numbers. Daniel Houston’s ball use is a thing of beauty while Tom Rockliff rivals another Tom in Mitchell when it comes to finding the ball.

12. ST KILDA 16 93.9%

Sick of talking about their obvious injuries so let’s focus on what’s available. Luke Dunstan played at the level he needs to be at consistently, Josh Battle is their success story of the season while the run and usage of Shane Savage was vital.

13. ESSENDON 12. 99.8%

Brave and prolific, Andrew McGrath’s development includes getting maximum efficiency from

his disposals. Alternatively, Zach Merrett’s hurt factor by hand and foot was where it needs to be.

14. GOLD COAST 12 78.6%

Has there been a game they haven’t been in? The Suns are a credit to what they are working towards under a coach called Dew who seems to have a clue. There is plenty of time for the wheels to fall off, but right now Dew is coach of the year for mine.

15. MELBOURNE 12 75.6%

A funny game cricket, sorry football, when you consider Tom McDonald kicks the winning score after he endured a horrible last 15 minutes. His team is playing an unwatchable brand but, hey, they are on a roll. And the confidence will come.

The Demons are winning ugly but they’ve won two in a row. Picture: Getty Images

16. SYDNEY 8 82.7%

Dermott Brereton declared Charlie Curnow would be the best player in the game by now. Hasn’t worked out as yet. I would like him to look at Nick Blakey as a possible alternative in three to four years. Seems to have the quaddie in speed, size, skill and smarts.

17. NORTH MELBOURNE 8 80.9%

The Kangas knew the Cats were gettable so to give away a start was unforgivable and ultimately cost them the game. Just lack that extra bit of class when it counts and as such Curtis Taylor, who was low on stats but high on promise, is a must for his development.

18. CARLTON 4 84.9%

Another loss but so important they gave a yelp. Stocker showed enough to suggest he will become a Stephen Silvagni draft special. Sincerely hope the win-loss factor doesn’t prevent Patrick Cripps claiming a medal that is rightfully his.

Originally published as Super Ladder: How your club is placed after Round 8