What a weekend of footy, and a few huge adjustments to the Energy Rankings after Spherical 6.
There was some motion on the high because the race for a top-four spot tightens up, whereas there was simply as a lot to speak about down the underside finish.
There may be now only one winless staff because the Easter weekend sprang some attention-grabbing surprises, however even West Coast have been unfortunate to not get on the board.
Right here’s how the groups stack up after Spherical 6.
1. Geelong (Final Week: 4)
All the main 4 groups on this checklist may make a case for high spot, however Geelong could be very marginally forward as a result of Easter Monday basic – and the best way that the 2022 premiers have performed since half time within the Collect Spherical fixture.
Adelaide and Hawthorn aren’t any slouches and each have been taking part in some good soccer this yr, however the best way the Cats managed the second half towards the Crows and picked up the place they left off on the MCG make them a harmful staff to face.
Bailey Smith once more had a big impact and was concerned in nearly the whole lot (in additional methods than one). Geelong additionally has proven versatility up entrance, not relying solely on Jeremy Cameron, with veteran Patrick Dangerfield removed from a spent power within the recreation.
With the Hawks and Lions displaying some chinks lately, it could possibly be time for the Cats to go on a run – the Pies conflict in a fortnight is a mouth-watering one.
Nick Daicos runs away from would-be tagger Jarrod Berry. (Photograph by Russell Freeman/AFL Images by way of Getty Photographs)
2. Collingwood (6)
Collingwood surge into second spot on the again of an enormous win over Brisbane. It’s been a exceptional climb since Opening Spherical catastrophe towards GWS.
The Pies not solely stifled their opponent’s ball motion, choking Brisbane’s threatening assault, however in addition they prevented a second-half surge that Chris Fagan’s males have relied on to this point this yr.
The Daicos brothers have been in nice kind; Nick with 38 touches and Josh with 30 to steer the possession rely.
Brisbane has been the hardest opponent because the Giants, so it might be too early to get carried away, however this recreation nearly confirmed a 2023-like depth and strain all through the 4 quarters.
3. Hawthorn (2)
Regardless of back-to-back losses, there may be nonetheless quite a bit to love in regards to the Hawks and their premiership possibilities.
Trying to bounce again after a dreadful displaying towards Port Adelaide, the Hawks pushed and examined the Cats all the best way and solely misplaced by simply over a objective – proving they nonetheless must be handled as a serious risk.
There have been indicators of emotion after the sport, particularly from James Sicily, which may work each methods. The damage of the expertise could possibly be used as motivation to enhance, or present how emotionally drained the younger gamers could possibly be, even probably mentally spanning all the best way again to the finals final yr.
The ugly play and errors over the previous fortnight could possibly be an indication of strain, however extra doubtless only a studying expertise.
James Sicily is tackled. (Photograph by Quinn Rooney/Getty Photographs)
4. Brisbane (1)
The reliance on the second half comebacks lastly burnt the Premiers, who got no probability by a fierce and decided Magpies.
5 of the highest six disposal getters have been from Collingwood, with Lachie Neale the one Brisbane participant to achieve 25. Going ahead, the Lions created simply 37 inside 50s, making it robust to search out the scoreboard.
On one hand, it’s only one loss and no must panic from Brisbane, however have the Pies proven groups any clues to carry down the premiers?
5. Gold Coast (3)
Damien Hardwick fell to his first lack of the yr towards his former facet, and whereas Richmond’s work price and energy have been up, it was Gold Coast’s effectivity approach down, kicking a objective from simply 9 per cent of their inside 50s within the first three quarters.
The Suns did, nevertheless, present some good indicators that 2025 was a yr to get enthusiastic about, nearly eradicating a 43-point deficit by kicking 5 unanswered targets within the last time period.
Three of the highest 5 possession getters have been from the Suns, and Ben Lengthy high scored with three targets. However in the long run, a loss is a loss, and one Dimma wouldn’t have been anticipating heading again to Victoria.
6. Adelaide (7)
The Crows restored some pleasure after two straight losses, dealing with the moist and windy situations higher than the Giants.
Though scoring was robust, Adelaide could possibly be happy with the truth that they solely allowed 4 targets from the guests.
It could not have been a recreation the place they might present their flashy facet or make any statements, however dealing with the situations and a reasonably robust opponent will give Matthew Nicks confidence.
7. GWS (5)
It was a weekend that Better Western Sydney would simply need to write off, and like Jack Higgins urged, get straight out of South Australia as shortly as doable.
Loads of Giants bought touches, the staff had 30 extra disposals and Lachie Whitfield (39), Tom Inexperienced (36) and Lachie Ash (29) have been one of the best three by way of possession.
However they couldn’t make it rely on the scoreboard, with simply 34 factors from 14 scoring photographs.
8. Western Bulldogs (12)
Two phrases: Marcus Bontempelli.
The star midfielder made his return to the sphere on Easter Sunday, and the Western Bulldogs made an announcement.
It wasn’t simply his 30 disposals, eight clearances and two targets the place the Bont impacted, however the entire staff appeared to carry in his presence.
The Bulldogs have been capable of shut out the 4 quarters for a commanding win, after two straight losses, asserting themselves as finals contenders as soon as once more.
9. Essendon (10)
The Bombers have been capable of grind out a four-point win after trailing by 29 factors within the second quarter.
They have been made to work for it by a spirited West Coast Eagles who produced their finest efficiency of the season.
Given they have been robust favourites and solely simply bought over the road would have apprehensive Brad Scott, however in the long run it’s 4 factors within the bag.
Essendon are but to indicate sufficient both approach whether or not they’re finals contenders or not, and can almost certainly depend on favours from different groups.
10. Sydney (9)
Concern should be setting in for Dean Cox and the Swans with simply two wins out of 4 this yr.
Sydney are in all probability doing sufficient on the trouble entrance, with extra disposals, clearances, and extra inside 50s – however execution-wise, they’re letting themselves down by not discovering the scoreboard.
In 2022, the Swans had an especially gradual begin earlier than flying dwelling to make the grand last, as did Brisbane final yr – don’t low cost them, nevertheless it’s getting trickier for historical past to repeat by the week.
11. Port Adelaide (13)
Two wins in a row, does this imply Port Adelaide are again? Properly, not fairly.
The win towards the Hawks was spectacular, and it’s important to give credit score for travelling to Sydney and beating the Swans at dwelling, however they don’t seem to be the power they’ve been in current seasons (but).
As beforehand talked about, the 2024 grand finalists have been higher in key areas of the sport, with the Energy holding their noses in entrance on the scoreboard.
Just a few extra wins and different groups might get apprehensive, nevertheless it may simply go the opposite approach for Ken Hinkley.
12. Fremantle (8)
The cold and hot staff, this week, was stone chilly because the beforehand winless Demons outplayed them.
After conceding the lead within the first time period, the Western Australian facet couldn’t reel within the deficit, properly beneath their season common on the entire key staff stats.
There could also be some reality to the saying that the extra losses you’ve, the nearer you might be to a win, and Melbourne might have been the hungrier staff – but when Freo need to be taking part in finals, they want to have the ability to deal with the threats from the decrease groups higher.
13. Carlton (14)
A powerful win by the Blues, nevertheless it was an equally disappointing efficiency by the Kangaroos.
One essential space the place Carlton improved was their objective kicking, going from 19 behinds towards West Coast to scoring 24.9 towards North Melbourne.
It’s onerous to get carried away with wins towards this pair on the backside of the ladder, however the Blues appear to be on the right track; they only must show themselves towards stronger opponents.
Luke Parker seems to be dejected after North Melbourne’s Good Friday loss. (Photograph by Josh Chadwick/AFL Images/by way of Getty Photographs)
14. St Kilda (11)
Ross Lyon would have wished he may go away the bottom at half time and head dwelling to Easter dinner and a few candies.
After some good wins to begin the yr, St Kilda has crashed again to earth with back-to-back losses.
The regarding half for the Saints is just managing 56 factors, and being unable to cease a rampant Canines ahead line, who for many of the recreation have been with out rising star Sam Darcy.
It doesn’t get simpler with the Lions up subsequent.
15. Richmond (16)
On paper, it was a David and Goliath battle as Damien Hardwick and his undefeated Suns returned to Victoria towards his outdated membership Richmond – however have been quickly had a struggle on their palms.
Tim Taranto had a game-high 35 disposals and Nick Vlastuin had 15 intercept possessions, because the Tigers held on regardless of 5 unanswered targets within the last time period that threatened to erase the lead.
With loads of the pre-game give attention to Noah Balta’s inclusion, Adam Yze had loads to be impressed about when it got here to his youthful contingent.
16. Melbourne (18)
This was not the Demons facet that had turned up for the primary 5 rounds of the competitors, utterly outplaying top-eight contender Fremantle.
Max Gawn led from the entrance with 28 disposals, 31 hitouts and 10 clearances as his facet managed the scoreboard from the opening quarter, with Jake Bowey having a team-high 29 touches.
One win isn’t sufficient to silence all of the critics, however at the very least it releases a few of the strain and speak of disunity on the membership.
17. West Coast (17)
Footy generally is a merciless recreation generally. The Eagles have been arguably taking part in stronger for many of the contest, solely to be run down and lose by two factors in the long run.
The Bombers’ fightback will be put all the way down to the boot of Peter Wright, who kicked six targets for the sport, with the Eagles successful the within 50 rely and Jake Waterman’s 4 targets.
They nonetheless haven’t any wins from six matches, however are usually not the worst after that efficiency.
18. North Melbourne (15)
After some optimistic indicators early within the season, North Melbourne have slipped proper again to the underside after the demolition towards Carlton.
The defence was horrible; it’s the fifth time this season they’ve conceded over 100 factors and 9 targets coming alone within the last time period.
There was little or no to get enthusiastic about for Roos followers who managed simply 39 inside 50s, with an effectivity of simply 41 per cent.
Simply how does Alastair Clarkson discover enchancment from right here?
