Round 19 Super Ladder: Contenders falter as GWS, Richmond and Port Adelaide locked in top four battle
JUST when we thought the top eight was sorting itself out, Round 19 threw a few more curve balls as a few clubs had their top four hopes dented. How is your club placed?
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JUST when we thought the top eight was sorting itself out, Round 19 threw a few more curve balls.
Sydney, Melbourne and Essendon all stumbled, with the Bombers losing eighth spot to West Coast, while ladder leaders Adelaide had to fight back from 50 points down to snatch a draw against Collingwood.
GWS, Richmond and Port Adelaide all won as the battle for a top four spot intensifies between those three clubs.
Jon Anderson rates every team after Round 19.
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1. ADELAIDE CROWS (13-1-4) 137.1%, 54PTS
So who can win the flag, given the Crows were great to get back but very poor to be there? Have a view that every side has two or three who wouldn’t have got a game a decade ago.
2. GEELONG (12-1-5) 119.2%, 50PTS
Hawkins provided the most compelling of statistical replies to his critics. Murdoch arguably the most improved played at the club, while Buzza is low on numbers but big on influence.
3. GWS GIANTS (11-2-5) 113.7%, 48PTS
Didn’t really matter how, more a matter of just winning. Coniglio highlighted how vital he is and big Dawson, with Mummy out, stamped an unlikely claim for September action
4. RICHMOND (12-0-6) 110.5%, 48PTS
We thought Danger’s 35 votes last year would take some beating. Try one year as Dusty rewrites history. I’m already looking forward to his speech, thinking more Bruce Doull than Nat Fyfe.
5. PORT ADELAIDE (11-0-7) 130.8%, 44PTS
Ryder revived glorious memories of the palming exponents such as Sam Newman and Simon Madden. And then there was the run of left-footers Polec and Pittard when it really mattered.
6. SYDNEY (10-0-8) 114.7%, 40PTS
Sinclair went from John Coleman to John Howard in a week, again highlighting the need for Tippett. Doubt they can now make top four so it’s all about getting a home final.
7. MELBOURNE (10-0-8) 107.3%, 40PTS
Their profile says they are a at least a year away from a flag but so were the Bombers in 1993. Their run home is favourable but despite the Dogs last year, I still fancy the premier to come from top four.
8. WEST COAST (10-0-8) 105.9%, 40PTS
Responded as the Eagles had to but until a handy scalp is claimed, it doesn’t mean much. So the Saints at Etihad this weekend would be a handy start. But would you put your last dollar on them?
9. WESTERN BULLDOGS (10-0-8) 100.3%, 40PTS
Their run home is fair although draws don’t mean much in 2017. They have their run back with last year’s guns in JJ, Bont and Picken hitting peak form. Do you believe in repeat miracles?
10. ESSENDON (9-0-9) 107.1%, 36PTS
How many stuff-ups can you perform in a single afternoon? A hard side to watch at times, a good one to view when they play on instinct rather than formula. But they have the spine for 2018.
11. ST KILDA (9-0-9) 96.7%, 36PTS
The nightmares aside, there were positives such as Dunstan’s best game for the year and Membrey continuing his development as a dangerous mid-size tall. And he can at least kick straight.
12. HAWTHORN (8-1-9) 88.8%, 34PTS
We’ve seen coaches reinvent lists over two or three years, but two-three months is extraordinary. Clarkson is one of those rare coaching geniuses, like Bill Belichick or Sir Alex Ferguson.
13. COLLINGWOOD (7-1-10) 96.0%, 30PTS
In a season the like of which hasn’t been seen in the AFL’s 28-year history, the Pies added their chapter. And it came from a swarming intensity that had a September feel. But not this September.
14. FREMANTLE (7-0-11) 79.1%, 28PTS
Gave a preview of their run and carry formula for next year with the Hill boys, Tucker, Neale and Ryan. They will compliment the grunt of Fyfe who was back to his best.
15. GOLD COAST (6-0-12) 82.4%, 24PTS
Hird’s suggestion they make a play for Martin is a fair call, but why would Dustin want to go there? That’s their problem, luring players to an unsuccessful environment.
16. NORTH MELBOURNE (5-0-13) 89.0%, 20PTS
They need stars but maybe Brown, the boy with a run-up longer than Brett Lee, is that player. His improvement graph is rapid and his physical attributes are very similar to Joe Daniher.
17. CARLTON (5-0-13) 79.0%, 20PTS
No surprise that Fisher, Silvagni, Weitering, Cunningham, Williamson and McKay had just 42 possies between them as their bodies tire. But reckon McKay has something about him.
18. BRISBANE LIONS (4-0-14) 70.1%, 16PTS
The Lions have a youth plan and will not move from it. Suspect their coach Chris Fagan will be looked back upon as an appointment of genius. The ride will be bumpy early but ultimately productive.
Originally published as Round 19 Super Ladder: Contenders falter as GWS, Richmond and Port Adelaide locked in top four battle
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