It seemed likely that, with
Essendon getting its full team back this year following the bans from the World
Anti-Doping Agency, that ranking systems would underrate the Bombers coming
into 2017. What was less predictable though was that Essendon would suddenly
start performing like an elite side over the past five weeks. The Dons have
gained a whopping 25 ranking points following huge wins against Port Adelaide
and West Coast, a win against highly-rated Geelong, and a small loss to GWS on
the road (a loss to Richmond was their other result). As a result the Bombers
jumped this week from thirteenth to tenth in the rankings, and are less than a
point away from positive rankings territory.
Staying in that region of the
rankings this week Melbourne and Collingwood fought it out for eighth spot in
the rankings, and for a spot in the eight on the actual AFL ladder. Melbourne
narrowly won both, in one of the better matches for the season. Can the Demons
continue their rise next week against the Bulldogs?
Meanwhile the
unpredictability continues amongst the league’s top-ranked sides. Port
Adelaide’s big loss to Essendon, and GWS’ loss to lowly-rated Carlton, has
given Adelaide a clear break at the top of the rankings – at least until the
Crows’ next big upset loss …
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