Super Ladder: Jon Anderson looks at how all 18 teams are tracking after a massive Round 13
CARLTON has made plenty of mistakes in recent years but has JON ANDERSON identified the worst of them? Plus, why can’t we trust Port Adelaide yet? Check out Ando’s take on all 18 clubs in the Super Ladder.
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CARLTON has made plenty of mistakes in recent years.
But Jon Anderson believes there is one that stands out above all else as the major reason why the club is now struggling.
Also, can we believe in Port Adelaide as a premiership contender yet — or are they setting us up to let us down?
Ando looks at where all 18 years are at after Round 13.
THE TACKLE: IS THIS TIGER THE NEW LUKE HODGE?
RICHMOND 40 PTS 135.0
They went into the game extremely confident their brand, and their last quarters, would be too strong. And they are confident rather than arrogant. Bring September on!
WEST COAST 40 PTS 129.2
Will have doubts about the Eagles winning a flag until they conquer the ‘G but admire their extreme consistency, even in defeat. Their pressure acts are the main reason why the big birds are on top. Injuries: Kennedy (calf).
SYDNEY 40 PTS 125.7
Lloyd plays very few bad games, then again that is part of the Sydney way. Florent is going to be a beauty while the last of the Mohicans in Allir Allir played a blinder. As for McCartin, yum yum. Injuries: Nil.
MELBOURNE 32 PTS 130.4
By normal profiles this is a year too early for the Demons and maybe their kids will start to tire at the business end. But anything short of finals is a negative and in today’s game it’s all about getting on a roll.
GEELONG 32 PTS 126.2
At the vital moments they were let down by the decision-making and skill levels of their bottom four players. And their forward entries in the third term were inept.
COLLINGWOOD 32 PTS 118.6
Another annus horribilis run with injury but through adversity has come growth as the Pies have been forced to play some kids who otherwise wouldn’t have got as much game time. Now they have to work out what is their best 22?
PORT ADELAIDE 28 PTS 113.8
Is the Power good enough? Its run home is favourable but my jury is out until Port regularly beat the sides above them, preferably away from home. But it boasts players who could set September alight. Injuries: Nil. SC: Wines (157) led seven players to break ton.
NORTH MELBOURNE 28 PTS 118.2
So important that the Roos don’t undo their good early work making the next three weeks against the Bulldogs, Essendon and Suns imperative. They actually have a good run home but Waite’s presence is the key.
HAWTHORN 28 PTS 110.7
In a week of gloom given Cyril’s departure, the Hawks responded with every good player having strong games. Now need to get their percentage up because it will be a factor and the Suns should help that. Injuries: Nil.
GWS 26 PTS 112.0
The Giants remain the most intriguing team in the comp. What it comes down to is winning enough games so they can ensure September action for Deledio, Greene, Scully and maybe even Williams. Then watch out.
ADELAIDE 24 PTS 110.4
Plenty of key injuries but it runs deeper than that. The Crows had important players in Douglas, Walker, Jenkins, Betts, Atkins and Seedsman well short of their best, but still reckon they can turn it around. Injuries: Gibson (hamstring), Seedsman (hip). SC: Kelly and Jacobs only Crows above 85.
FREMANTLE 24 PTS 88.7
Fremantle’s list transformation has happened quietly but effectively with a healthy blend on experience and kids. They have stuck solid with their coach for what might be his first genuine rebuild. Injuries: Matera (knee). SC: Neale (159) and Fyfe (154) had birthdays.
ESSENDON 20 PTS 90.2
Not a team that can afford any real injuries of note and as such the continued absence of Daniher and Zaharakis hurts, although role players in Ambrose and Gleeson are close to returning. Where do the Bombers finish? Out of the eight for mine.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 16 PTS 73.1
The Dogs have won just 15 games of 34 since the 2016 flag which is poor to fair at best, but they just never seem to get a settled list to build on. And 2018 is officially gone. Injuries: Wood (hamstring), Macrae (Hamstring), Boyd (Figner), Webb (thumb). SC: Bont (129) still fired and Richards (99) has been a bargain.
GOLD COAST 12 PTS 64.5
The Suns have created some sort of history over the past month in proving themselves the worst last quarter side in recent memory. Surely it can’t be fitness and if not it comes down to mental weakness. Injuries: Bowes (quad). SC: Swallow (111) now averages 93 — the equal-best Sun with Witts.
ST KILDA 10 PTS 70.8
Rarely if ever have I seen the face of a coach display such obvious relief and importantly it came from some of the more maligned in Gresham, Billings and McCartin late. Add McKenzie to that. Injuries: Webster (adductor), Rice (concussion). SC: Gresham the hero with 131.
BRISBANE 4 PTS 78.7
For all the promise the Lions have shown, it’s time for a few wins in the second half although their draw isn’t that friendly. What do they go for in the draft? Given there are all shapes and sizes available, just pick the best player.
CARLTON 4PTS 61.9
The worst thing that happened is the Blues didn’t bottom out in Bolton’s first two years, thereby providing false hope. That doesn’t excuse insipid displays such as Saturday where they embarrassed their proud jumper. Injuries: Nil. SC: Simpson (123) and Cripps (109) are excused … again.
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