JWs AFL POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 22 1. (1) Sydney Swans (17-4) Should handle the Tigers comfortably and host a home final against the Dockers or Port, considering how Port tested them in Sydney and having a full list to pick from along with its mojo, I think most Sydney supporters would prefer Freo, who should be overwhelmed by Sydneys superior offensive firepower. 2. (2) Hawthorn Hawks (16-5) Come from behind wins are all good (especially against your bogey team), but I predict Hawthorn could be upset if (probably when) they play Geelong again, what the Hawks need to do is lay a 10 goal beating on the Pies to tune up for finals. 3. (3) Fremantle Dockers (15-6) Generally speaking Fremantle are a four quarter team, you have to be since most teams would be exhausted playing a Swarm defense, but I would be a touch concerned losing a 4th quarter to Brisbane that allows Port Adelaide to simply need to win to take 4th from them. If Freo had kept it up theyd have a superior percentage and a tiny margin of error if they lose to Port. Still theyre understandably the favourites considering the shock return of Michael Barlow along with Matthew Pavlich. 4. (4) Geelong Cats (16-5) Geelong were pathetic in the second half against a team they usually beat, but Ill give the Cats a mulligan since because of the AFLs stupid MCG finals policy theyd have to play there if they finish second anyway. That said they did blow any small chance at the minor premiership they had (which may not be so small when you consider Richmond has a decent history against Sydney) 5. (5) North Melbourne Kangaroos (13-8) North outplayed Adelaide very nicely and lock up a probable final against Essendon, unfortunately my prediction of a top 4 finish for North did not come to pass but they along with whoever finishes 5th should still be considered contenders. 6. (6) Port Adelaide Power (14-7) Its nice to see Port play like Port again (and not a minute too soon for their top 4 chance) but I for one would like to see them implement their gameplan again before Im fully convinced. 7. (7) Essendon Bombers (12-9) They waited a while but Essendon are officially a finals team for 2014, what a shame James Hird couldnt stay away from the club after his suspension, meaning that no matter what happens theres yet ANOTHER distraction for a bunch of players that just want to play and not be reminded of ASADA at every turn. At least Hird and Essendon have the common sense to let Thompson coach out the year. 8. (8) Richmond Tigers (11-10) Yes for the first time ever the top 8 stays EXACTLY the same. That probably wont be the case in real life as Sydney elected NOT to rest any players (and included Sam Reid). Still with the inclusion of Dustin Martin and Richmonds good form against Sydney in past years, only a fool would completely count out the Tigers. 9. (9) Adelaide Crows (10-11) Adelaide losing not because they played so unbelievably poorly but because they got outgunned by a good team in a good game is kind of weird, but thats what happened. The main concern is that the defense got exposed by someone not exactly considered an elite forward, but thats probably just an exception rather than a rule when you consider the array of talent in their backline. Adelaide fans, bring a calculator with you to Adelaide Oval because you might just need it if you crush the Saints. 10. (13) West Coast Eagles (10-11) Yes it took until spot 10 to change a team. The shocking thing is the Eagles are arguably the favourite to win the 8th position considering the ladder and matchups, but I doubt theyll make a dent in September. Still I said that about Carlton last year... 11. (11) Gold Coast Suns (10-11) If Richmond lose to Sydney, Collingwood lose to Hawthorn, Adelaide get upset at home v St Kilda and they beat the Eagles the first expansion team final will occur. The weird thing is when you consider Adelaide did lose to Melbourne and have trouble with getting in and staying in the top 8, this scenario is not nearly as farfetched as it seems. 12. (15) Collingwood Magpies (11-10) I will give credit, the Magpies were down and out vs the Giants with noone on the bench and somehow scraped through, but Im not sure theres any light at the end of this tunnel. 13. (10) Carlton Blues (7-14) Two questions (not rhetorical I actually am asking here), 1. How many Fremantle fans REALLY hate Carlton right now for letting Port get ahead in percentage? 2. Why is Malthouse still coaching? And why is he coaching on in 2015? First off he predicted a Premiership that never got CLOSE to being realized, and now he simply looks so disinterested in coaching and just seems to be tackling the media at the end of every game? 14. (12) Western Bulldogs (7-14) Another JW prediction that didnt pan out: Western Bulldogs were an underrated team. Yeah I kinda whiffed on that one didnt I? If Jarrad Waite is available the Bulldogs must simply pick him up. 15. (14) GWS Giants (5-16) A more experienced side would have found a way to win against Collingwood. The problem is with the Suns and the inevitable comparisons that will occur, the Giants will have to deal with the pressure of expectation next season. 16. (16) Brisbane Lions (7-14) When you consider the fact earlier in the season the Lions were considered a team that would go 0-22, its kind of fascinating they did go 7-14. The emergence of Pearce Hanley and Tom Rockliff as genuine stars did a lot, so you have to legitimately wonder what would happen if the injuries to key players and the loss of their inspirational leader didnt occur. Especially considering how lacklustre the teams fighting for 8th have been at times this season. 17. (17) Melbourne Demons (4-17) Is anyone surprised that the Demons deliver two of the worst performances by any side this year after asking for a priority pick? Their 66 point loss flatters the Dees when you remember the Eagles pulled back in the last quarter to preserve their players for the important Gold Coast clash. Sure 4-17 is better than 2-20 but I have to wonder if the culture of the club has really changed? 18. (18) St Kilda Saints (4-17) On the one hand I hope the Saints win because the Saints fans have endured a horrible season and gone to games to cheer their team on (and deserve a massive ovation for doing so). On the other hand I hope the Saints lose because the Saints fans have endured a horrible season and gone to games to cheer their team on. They deserve a number one pick to draft McCartin or Petracca for the future. I only hope they arent robbed because of Melbourne demanding a priority pick. -JW
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:40:22 +0000
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