AFL Power Rankings: Round 6 (or some teams can already start thinking about 2011)

Prior to the start of the year, the Crows and Hawthorn were seen by many judges to be the teams to watch – the Hawks had had an injury plagued 2009, and looked to be ready to get back into the big time; the Crows were good in 2009, and with their many young players, were thought to be ready to go up a level and be firmly in the top 4.  The Swans and Fremantle however were thought to be in the midst of rebuilding – no thought of finals this year.

After 6 rounds the Hawks and Crows have one win between them; the Swans and Fremantle meanwhile both are on 5 wins and one loss.

Potential means nothing; expectations guarantee nothing. Last year is irrelevant.

AFL football lives in the present; you can’t afford to think of winning a flag in two year’s time, you have to try and win it this year. In 2008 many thought the Hawks were a good side, that would be challenging for the flag in 09 or 2010. Instead they won it in 2008, and since then have been pretty damn average. You have to win it when you can, because despite all the planning and logic, your team can suddenly be the Crows and Hawks in 2010. At least Hawks’ supporters can still remember 2008; for the Crows’ 1998 is fast becoming ancient history.

Not much chance this week at the top or bottom; but plenty of movement in the middle:

	Rank	LW	Team	Record	Comment
	1	1↔	St Kilda	5-1	They pulled this one out of nowhere. But geez, they are an ugly team to watch play.
	2	2↔	Collingwood	5-1	Collingwood dealt with Carlton with ease. They should account for North before the big trip west to play Freo.
	3	3↔	Fremantle	5-1	Freo were looking in trouble mid-way through the 2nd quarter. Then they kicked the next 11 goals. Tough game this week at the Gabba, but if they miss the finals from here they will be shattered.
	4	5↑	Sydney	5-1	You’ve got to hand it to Paul Roos – he just knows how to coach a side to win. Big game this week against the Cats in Geelong.
	5	7↑	Geelong	4-2	Well it was Richmond. Sydney this week will be a more honest test.
	6	4↓	Brisbane	4-2	The Lions suffered at the hands of a perfect “eff-you” performance by Bradshaw. They need to beat Freo at the Gabba this week to get back on track.
	7	10↑	Port Adelaide	4-2	They slaughtered the Crows in the last quarter, and will be full of confidence when they face Essendon this week.
	8	6↓	Carlton	3-3	The Blues weren’t up to the task of beating the Pies. Now they face the bigger test of Saint Kilda.
	9	8↓	Bulldogs	3-3	That one will hurt, as it shows for all to see that they are a kick or two short of the best teams.
	10	11↑	North Melbourne	3-3	A good win that will give them a small boost as they get ready for the Pies this week.
	11	13↓	Essendon	2-4	The Bombers rubbed the Hawks noses in it (held them scoreless in the last quarter). Not a finals side, but they’ll annoy a lot of footy tippers.
	12	9↓	Melbourne	3-3	A reality check against a team they should have beaten. How they fare against the Bulldogs this week will reveal whether or not they’re already peaked.
	13	12↓	Hawthorn	1-5	Ok, the Hawks are officially in trouble. After 6 weeks they have one more win that the Crows and Tigers. If they lose at Subiaco this week, I’m saying they won’t play finals.
	14	14↔	West Coast	1-5	To be honest, the Eagles aren’t that good. They have some good young players, but they’re a few years off of being a challenger.
	15	15↔	Adelaide	0-6	Yeah they were better, but when it counted they were still pathetic. Now they get to play Richmond for the Embarrassment Cup. I wouldn’t put money on them.
	16	16↔	Richmond	0-6	At quarter time betfair were offering $50 on a Tigers win. Their one chance for a win this year might be this week.