Yes, the AFL Power Rankings are back for 2021, and with Round 1 now in the books, our team has definitively ranked all 18 clubs after their first games.
How much weight does a Round 1 performance carry? Should we be worried about some teams already? What does it all mean for the AFL Power Rankings?
Note: Throughout the year, ESPN will rank all 18 teams, from top to bottom, taking into account which teams are playing the best footy, each team's recent opponents, and which teams are looking most like flag contenders.
1. Richmond
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 1
Tick it off - another Round 1 victory to the Tigers. Skipper Trent Cotchin returns to the line-up this week, and Dusty is already in vintage form. It's little wonder they hold top spot again this week.
This week's opponent: Hawthorn (MCG)
2. Port Adelaide
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 4
The Power looked slick and quick -- well suited to the new rules -- in their opening round smashing of the Kangaroos, and rise as the two losers who were ranked above them coming out of preseason fall down. They should make it two wins from two this week when the Bombers visit Adelaide Oval
This week's opponent: Essendon (Adelaide Oval)
3. Geelong
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 2
The Cats are lucky they haven't fallen more off the back of their shock loss to last year's wooden spooners. Given they also lose Patrick Dangerfield for three weeks, things aren't looking quite as rosy at the Cattery. A massive clash looms with fellow winless powerhouse Brisbane - and neither will want to start the year 0-2.
This week's opponent: Brisbane (GMHBA Stadium)
4. Brisbane
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 3
We don't like knee-jerk reactions to one result, but there were worrying signs for the Lions on Saturday night, typified by Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale not laying a single tackle in their Round 1 loss to Sydney. As we said above, no team wants to be 0-2, but the Lions may well be after a trip to the Cattery this week...
This week's opponent: Geelong (GMHBA Stadium)
5. Western Bulldogs
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 5
No change for the Bulldogs this week - they got the job done as many expected them to. An interesting clash looms this week when they welcome West Coast to Marvel Stadium. Given the Eagles are just behind them in the Power Rankings, a slip up on Sunday could mean a slip up in the rankings, too...
This week's opponent: West Coast (Marvel Stadium)
6. West Coast
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 6
Much like the Western Bulldogs, the Eagles rightfully put away the Suns at home with relative ease in the end. As a result, they don't move in this week's rankings, but the emergence of Oscar Allen as a potential successor to Josh Kennedy has us paying attention.
This week's opponent: Western Bulldogs (Marvel Stadium)
⏪ Round 1 unpacked
ð @championdata reveals the @AFL's next 'sexy stat'
ðŽ The Round 1 losers we're worried for
ð Welcome back @rohan_connolly
ðĶĒ Are the Swannies a top eight team?
➕ MOREAll the #AFL chat, with @championdata, in one place ⬇️https://t.co/pOsSQRPFIv
— The ESPN Footy Podcast (@ESPNFootyPod) March 23, 2021
7. St Kilda
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 7
Phew! It was a massive last quarter effort which got the Saints over the line against the Giants, and with a host of big names missing. They're unlucky not to rise, but there is a logjam of teams waiting to pounce and jump into the Power Rankings' top four. This week's match against Melbourne is set to be a beauty.
This week's opponent: Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)
8. Melbourne
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 10
They were technically favourites with the bookies, but many wouldn't have been surprised to see the Dees fall to the Dockers in Round 1. Instead, Melbourne managed to wrangle their way to a winning score, with Jake Lever and Steven May outstanding in defence. With Max King returning for the Saints, however, and Tim Membrey in nice touch early, they'll have their work cut out for them this week.
This week's opponent: St Kilda (Marvel Stadium)
9. Carlton
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 8
The Blues always seem to be looking at a 0-2 start to the season, and it's little wonder given they play Richmond every year in Round 1. They have the chance to right the ship against the Pies this week. If Carlton are serious about securing a first finals berth since 2013 this season, they must win this - no ifs, ands or buts.
This week's opponent: Collingwood (MCG)
10. Fremantle
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 9
Freo fall one spot this week, but how unlucky can they get? After Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling missed all of last season leaving big gaps in Freo's key defensive posts, both were injured in their Round 1 loss to Melbourne. Being honest, the Dockers' skills were average at best in Round 1; they'll want to tighten up significantly before GWS visits on Sunday.
This week's opponent: GWS (Optus Stadium)
11. Sydney
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 14
3:51
Rohan Connolly makes his ESPN Footy Podcast debut for 2021, making his case that Sydney could be a surprise finalist this season.
This week's big riser is the Swannies. On the road, in prime time, and playing a handful of kids with fewer than 15 games experience, Sydney were hungrier than Brisbane and deserved the four points. Questions remain about whether they can get consistent output out of first-year players Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Round 1 Rising Star nominee Errol Gulden, but Buddy's just about back, and oh boy, we're excited to see what they can do!
This week's opponent: Adelaide (SCG)
12. GWS
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 11
You know what, the Giants really should have beaten St Kilda on Sunday. In fact, they were a Harry Himmelberg soda (which he missed) away from just about securing the four points in the fourth quarter before the Saints stormed home. The Giants have a tough ask this week in flying to Perth to play Freo. Let's see what they can deliver.
This week's opponent: Fremantle (Optus Stadium)
13. Collingwood
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 12
Can the Pies answer some big questions against the old enemy this week? Ones about their underwhelming midfield, lacklustre forward line, and the Brodie Grundy dilemma? If they can't, it's a 0-2 start for the Pies which, traditionally, means it's tough to play finals.
This week's opponent: Carlton (MCG)
14. Hawthorn
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 16
Up two spots this week are the Hawks. This may come as a surprise to some, especially those who tuned out of their match on Saturday night at half time. They pulled a rabbit out of the hat and deserve their little jump, but it may be short-lived - Richmond is on the horizon.
This week's opponent: Richmond (MCG)
15. Essendon
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 13
Take a deep breath, Essendon fans. It's tough watching footy sometimes, especially when your side coughs up a 40-point lead to a team also expected to finish in the lower reaches of the ladder. There were positives though. Youngsters Nik Cox and Harry Jones looked good (despite Jones' wayward kicking) and Nick Hind and Jye Caldwell also impressed in their club debut. Think positive thoughts, because this week's clash is a daunting one.
This week's opponent: Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
16. Adelaide
2021 record: 1-0
Previous ranking: 17
Well, Adelaide's win over Geelong was the most unlikely win I think a lot of footy fans have seen, and the Crows deservedly rise a spot on the Power Rankings. Interestingly, they'll meet Round 1's other surprise winner, Sydney in Round 2 for the chance to start the year 2-0. Perhaps skipper Rory Sloane's lofty goals of playing finals in 2021 weren't too far away. Will watch this week's match with a keen interest.
This week's opponent: Sydney (SCG)
17. Gold Coast Suns
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 15
A massive double blow for the Suns who fall two spots this week - a first round loss and another serious injury to young gun Matt Rowell. 2019's No. 1 draft pick injured his PCL in his side's loss to the Eagles and could miss up to three months. A crunch clash with North looms to avoid a 0-2 start...
This week's opponent: North Melbourne (Metricon Stadium)
18. North Melbourne
2021 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 18
North were valiant early against the Power under the roof of Marvel in Round 1, but were comprehensively beaten in the following three terms. The news gets worse with veteran backman Robbie Tarrant ruled out for at least half the season after he had surgery on his kidney. In positive news, Jaidyn Stephenson will be a star for many years to come.
This week's opponent: Gold Coast (Metricon Stadium)
"danger" - Google News
March 23, 2021 at 02:00PM
https://ift.tt/3rlQJTI
ESPN AFL Power Rankings 2021 - Danger signs for Cats and Lions, Swans rise - ESPN
"danger" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3bVUlF0
https://ift.tt/3f9EULr
No comments:
Post a Comment