Super Ladder: Jon Anderson reviews every AFL club after Round 14 of the 2019 season

Hawthorn has made some of the smartest trade moves of recent seasons, but did they get this one wrong? See Jon Anderson’s verdict and his prediction for Clarko’s next big off-season play.

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin. Picture: Getty Images

Geelong’s grip on top spot loosened after another post-bye loss as Collingwood closed the gap.

The next six spots are filled by interstate clubs with Richmond the next best Victorian team after Essendon and St Kilda performed miserably.

Jon Anderson assesses every club after Round 14.

BAROMETER: YOUR CLUB’S INJURY LIST

VOTE NOW: WHO WAS BOG IN EVERY GAME?

THE TACKLE: ROBBO’S LIKES AND DISLIKES

1. GEELONG — 44pts, 146%

The Cats were monstered in the ruck and every team around them has a very good one. Also smashed in clearances, contested possessions and inside 50s, yet lost by just 11 points. Their forward line, normally a strength, lacked cohesion.

Patrick Dangerfield is put under pressure from Travis Boak. Picture: Getty Images

2. COLLINGWOOD — 40pts, 126.3%

When the Pies kick out of bounds on the full six times in the first half, including three from Steele Sidebottom, you know they are either under serious pressure or just plain off. Or both. Their experiment of three talls up forward is worth persisting with.

3. GWS — 36pts, 132.9%

The Giants are starting to get on the wrong side of the injury ledger again although the running machine Lachie Whitfield is flying in his recovery. They have a very doable draw in the run home, so now it’s a matter of getting their tall forwards back to form.

4. WEST COAST — 36pts, 106.2%

A lot is naturally made of Nic Nat’s return, so vital to re-energise the Eagles flagging ruck division, but tall defender Tom Barrass is also of vital importance. Their availability sees this list in really good shape for a team that can score quicker than any other.

5. ADELAIDE — 32pts, 115.1%

The Crows should have a full list for Friday’s trip to Geelong apart from Tom Doedee and Josh Jenkins. So it comes down to making the top four in an era where you can argue football hasn’t improved dramatically, and that means this outfit has some hope.

6. BRISBANE — 32pts, 108.1%

After losing to Carlton the Lions were at an interesting stage. They embraced it and came back with an exciting brand against St Kilda that importantly came from a very even team performance, with Eric Hipwood and Cam Rayner both important. Stef Martin has been some player for them.

Eric Hipwood celebrates a goal with Cam Rayner. Picture: AAP

7. PORT ADELAIDE — 28pts, 108.3%

Scott Lycett’s rucking masterclass was as complete as any this year, highlighted by his third quarter tackle on Tim Kelly. Charlie Dixon may not be Wayne Carey but he changes the Power’s forays forward. Ryan Burton has the potential to bite Hawthorn on their posterior.

8. FREMANTLE — 28pts, 108.2%

The Dockers were stiff through an injury list that is growing at an alarming rate. What they are is an extremely difficult side to play against and one that hasn’t produced a bad performance this year. Ruckman Sean Darcy is going to be a beauty.

9. RICHMOND — 28pts, 92%

The guns are dusting of their boots so beating St Kilda and Gold Coast are non-negotiables before a challenging three weeks (GWS, Port Adelaide, Collingwood) for the Tigers. Their percentage means a top four slot is unlikely, but the Tigers appeal as a side that could achieve the unlikely.

10. ESSENDON — 24pts, 100.8%

It seems as if the Bombers are just plugging along in the twilight zone, a belief shared by a large percentage of their supporters, when in essence they are a game out of the eight. A funny mindset exists around the Bombers, one that trends too quickly to gloom and doom.

11. ST KILDA — 24pts, 83.4%

Let’s not sugarcoat their display on Saturday which was both inept and at times insipid. You don’t get a lot of one-sided games in today’s AFL which highlights St Kilda’s lack of skill in ball usage and decision-making. Their third quarter was well short of acceptable AFL level.

12. HAWTHORN — 20pts, 97.3%

The Hawks have become a team that does nothing out of the ordinary, neither winning or losing by large margins. Given their innovative draft history, if will be interesting to see which tall forward they target. Clever forward Ollie Hanrahan must be close to his debut.

The Hawks are dropping out of finals contention. Picture: Getty Images

13. NORTH MELBOURNE — 20pts, 92.6%

Reckon the Roos finals chances went out the door against GWS in Hobart, although they didn’t die wondering. The Roos will hopefully now promote youth by getting games into players who are their future.

14. SYDNEY — 20pts, 92.2%

There is genuine excitement about some of the Swans kids such as Jordan Dawson and Nick Blakey. Sydney’s player development has stood the test of time, as has the strength of their organisation. All the more reason for the horse with a name in Longmire to stay

15. WESTERN BULLDOGS — 20pts, 89.9%

When the Dogs bring their pressure game, then most winning scenarios are possible. Sadly it always comes back to a hit and miss forward line that doesn’t score many easy goals, making two straight forward set shot misses in the third term game killers.

Tim Smith is pumped after a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

16. MELBOURNE — 16pts, 78.7%

It has been a winter of discontent but from disaster can come blessings, such as Jay Lockhart from North Lonnie who might just be a player. Then there’s journeyman forward Tim “Bull” Smith who is just happy at 28 to be living his dream.

17. GOLD COAST — 12pts, 71.9%

This mob gets cut very little slack as the Suns are seen by some as an unnecessary AFL extravagance that does nothing but chew money. The reality is they will be here for a long while yet so let’s embrace rather than constantly kick them.

18. CARLTON — 8pts, 79%

Liam Jones has passed an extremely extensive concussion test, his only failures coming on detailed mental exercises he had no hope of completing even before injured six weeks ago. Matt Owies has put his hand up for a small forward slot against Fremantle on Sunday.