AFL Round 7 ladder review: Essendon flattered by ‘easy kills’ in early rounds

Essendon has squandered its top-eight spot after a heavy Round 7 loss to Western Bulldogs, with West Coast and Melbourne the big movers. Jay Clark reviews every club’s position on the ladder.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – JULY 17: Michael Hurley of the Bombers takes a mark during the round 7 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on July 17, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Essendon’s rollercoaster start to the season continued with a loss to Western Bulldogs in Round 7, which has cost the Bombers their spot in the top eight.

With West Coast and Melbourne on the march and after Carlton pushed Port Adelaide all the way, can the Bombers regain a finals spot quickly?

There’s questions to be answered by the Bombers at 4-2, although a game in hand helps their cause.

Jay Clark wonders whether some “easy kills” might have flattered John Worsfold’s team early in the season.

Check out where your team sits in the ladder after Round 7.

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Robbie Gray celebrates his after-the-siren matchwinner against Carlton.

1. PORT ADELAIDE — 24 points, 153.8%

One of the best clutch set shots in recent history from Robbie Gray to win it on Sunday. Would not have wanted it any other man’s hands. Charlie Dixon somehow missed from 20m only minutes earlier. The Power continues to get the job done on the road.

2. BRISBANE LIONS — 20 points, 118.5%

It has been a slow burn, but this might be the round that starts Cameron Rayner’s breakout party after his improbable dribbled goal from the boundary line and screamer. The No 1 pick of 2017 may have a higher ceiling than the No 2 pick, the consistent Andrew Brayshaw.

3. COLLINGWOOD — 18 points, 144.6%

Darcy Moore and Brayden Maynard continue to look like All-Australians and Jack Crisp couldn’t be far off, either. But without Jordan De Goey for two months, Nathan Buckley has to go back to Mason Cox or Darcy Cameron. Tough test against the Eagles looms.

Darcy Moore marks in front of Geelong’s Esava Ratugolea.

4. RICHMOND — 18 points, 114.4%

Plenty lined up to run a line through the Tigers a fortnight ago. But despite missing some big names they’ve got their curve back. Shai Bolton’s work in close was electric, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith looks a natural, and they have another Kane Lambert-like bargain in Jake Aarts. Mabior Chol growing, too.

5. GEELONG — 16 points, 116.7%

This is Jack Steven’s big chance. Without some of the club’s biggest names missing the next fortnight, the ex-Saint will get plenty of midfield minutes. Look for young hard-nuts Lachie Fogarty and Charlie Constable to come in and reignite their careers.

6. GOLD COAST — 16 points, 109.5%

Has there been a more joyous first two games than Izak Rankine’s? It’s great to watch him weave his magic for the Suns around the stoppages. Mark Ricciuto is eating his words after his Hugh Greenwood sledge. A fine pick-up.

7. WEST COAST — 16 points, 100.5%

The Eagles can get their season back on track against injury-hit Collingwood. Nic Naitanui, Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo have begun to click in the midfield, and Oscar Allen is an excellent young prospect.

8. WESTERN BULLDOGS — 16 points, 100%

Tim English looks like the next Dean Cox. He has exquisite skills and touch for a big man and his days of being intimidated are over. Clubs exposed him early on, but the tables have turned. Dogs’ midfield reaping benefits.

Essendon’s weaknesses were exposed by Western Bulldogs.

9. ESSENDON — 16 points, 99.5%

Form over the first five games might have flattered them with some soft kills, as shown up by the Bulldogs. Have to go to school on how they got cut up at the stoppages without their best ballwinner in Dylan Shiel.

10. ST KILDA — 12 points, 108% (Round 7 match to come)

Big watch on the tall forward and ruck structure now that Paddy Ryder has been brought back to support Rowan Marshall. Expect Ryder to play largely in attack with Marshall taking the ruck load. Must win against Adelaide on Monday night with tough essay against Power next Saturday.

11. CARLTON — 12 points, 101.9%

The Blues did everything other than win. Heartbreaking result but fans have to be happy with the return to the free-flowing, attacking play David Teague encouraged last year. Clearly, they can score. Sam Walsh’s back-with-the-flight mark unbelievably courageous.

Max Gawn and Melbourne’s seasons are on the way up, but the Hawks are in free fall.

12. MELBOURNE — 12 points, 101.1%

Look slick all of a sudden. Christian Petracca had another blinder and will firm in the Brownlow market and Luke Jackson and Sam Weideman were impressive in attack. More composure the key after rushing their delivery early this season. Max Gawn dominated the air, sitting a kick behind play. Dangerous team again.

13. GWS GIANTS — 12 points, 97.3%

Big question marks after another loss. Again they struggled to get the ball forward with 20 fewer inside-50s against the Lions despite an improved performance from Stephen Coniglio. Leon Cameron knows the spotlight is on this week in Grand Final rematch.

14. HAWTHORN — 12 points, 78.6%

The rebuild talk will go up a notch after getting obliterated out of the middle again. The Hawks can’t win clearances, look slow with the ball in hand, and got outmarked in defence. Alastair Clarkson looked furious in the box and will consider making make strong statement selections on premiership heroes. Crossroads.

15. FREMANTLE — 8 points, 85.7%

The Dockers will be hopeful rather than confident that superstar Nat Fyfe will get up for the clash against Geelong on Monday night. They like to retain possession and control things in the back half, as Geelong does, so don’t expect fireworks in this one.

Sydney needs to entrust its young guns such as Ollie Florent with more midfield time.

16. SYDNEY SWANS — 8 points, 80.4%

The race is on to develop the next tier of midfield stars. It is clear the Suns have passed them. Give Callum Mills and Ollie Florent the keys to the engine room and put faith in Will Hayward and James Rowbottom. Really need Lance Franklin back to give the campaign a lift.

Ben Brown’s form has been in the spotlight with North Melbourne struggling.

17. NORTH MELBOURNE — 8 points, 76.8%

The bottom has fallen out quickly. Ben Brown is the face of their struggles this season as his contract value drops by the week. Time to question the fitness decisions after losing another star, Jack Ziebell, to a hamstring. Time also for Luke Davies-Uniacke to step up.

18. ADELAIDE – 0 points, 53% (Round 7 match to come)

Clearance numbers are terrible, and what has become of Rory Laird down back? Interesting the club opted for Tom Doedee as captain ahead of the more experienced Matt and Brad Crouch. Sitting ducks for the Saints on current form.

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Originally published as AFL Round 7 ladder review: Essendon flattered by ‘easy kills’ in early rounds