AFL: Six rounds in still don’t know who is number 1

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West Coast

Let start with Premiers of last year. Let just say they are not at there best with 3 win’s and 3 loses and this includes a lost at their fortress which is Optus Stadium to Port Adelaide. The premier’s game plan is maybe getting found out by other teams. It’s seem’s their defensive pressure is not there as it was last year and from last week’s game against Geelong they only 297 possesion to Geelong 445, this show’s that West Coast is off in keeping possession and losing it at the cold face. In addition West Coast look vulnerable without two ruckman and the trade of Scott Lycett with Port Adelaide has the made team with vulnerable at Stoppages. In saying this West Coast will be hoping to bounce back from these difficult two week with hopefully a win against Gold Coast at Optus Stadium.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 19: The Eagles look dejected after the team defeat during the 2019 AFL round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Optus Stadium on April 19, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Collingwood

Now let’s talk about the Runner’s up. They been little better this year with their record standing 4 win’s and 2 loses. In saying this still look scratchy considering their shock loss to Geelong in the first round. But have play quite well in most of their games especially Brisbane at the Gabba and against Essendon at the MCG on Anzac day where Scott Pendelbeury is a major driving force in the last two games with 26 disposals against Brisbane and a Anzac Medal performance with 38 disposals and maybe back to All Australian form. Other superstar players like Jordan De Goey, Adam Treloar have been back to their finals form in late. Collingwood will be hoping for easier against Port Adelaide this Friday at Marvel Stadium and maybe who know’s it could be second time luck for Collingwood in winning the Grand Final.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies runs the ball during the round 6 AFL match between Essendon and Collingwood at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Essendon

Many people thought this year is the year for the Dons, but has not seem be that. They are sitting with 3 wins and 3 loses and been quite fickle . In saying this they look damaging when the game plan is at full strength with player’s like Dyson Heppell, Zach Merret have been stars for Essendon and the exciting McDonald Tipungwuti who has shine in all Essendon wins with averaging this season with 12 goals and has been key to Essendon forward line without Joe Daniher. In saying this Essendon lost to Collingwood who have made them rethink the game plan and understanding how they can improve from the Anzac Clash. Essendon now have the tough task in playing the top side Geelong on Saturday at the MCG which make or break the don’s final hopes.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: Dyson Heppell of the Bombers looks dejected after a loss during the 2019 AFL round 06 ANZAC Day match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

Fremantle

One of many surprises of this season, the Dockers are at the moment firing at all cylinders. The dockers are looking good with 2 loses and 4 win’s. With loss of Lachie Neal does not look effecting the team’s midflied with Nat Fye looking like he is back to 2015 Brownlow medal form with him averaging 29 disposal’s a game and 300 game player David Mundy still at his best has made Dockers had to beat. Also the inclusion of Jesse Hogan from Melbourne and Reece Conca from Richmond has benefit the team in the movement of the ball through half back and having a forward target. Fremantle also beating the GWS giants at Canberra is major plus for them as they have the confidence to win away. Fremantle’s next game against Adelaide at the Adelaide oval will be another test to them being true final contenders.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 27: David Mundy of the Dockers is chaired from the ground by Alex Pearce and Nathan Fyfe after playing his 300th game during the round 6 AFL match between Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Adelaide

The Crows are 3 wins and 3 loses but two of these win’s have came against lesser teams. In saying this Crows have look good in these games especially the magical player Eddie betts with him kicking 6 against the Suns which include’s goal of year nomination and 2 goals against the Saints. But have look vulnerable against higher opposition such as the big loss at home against Geelong where they lost by a margin of 24 points but could be worst. This is a team who two year’s ago were at a grand final not really look like going there anytime soon but have a chance to keep winning streak alive against a red hot Fremantle at the Adelaide oval.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 21: Eddie Betts of the Crows celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 5 AFL match between Adelaide and the Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval on April 21, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

St Kilda

Also in the list of surprises this year is the saints who have gone above beyond expectations. With the saints 4 win’s and 2 loses and which is a great sight for football as the saints have been deeply struggling for the past year. They looking more dangerous as ever as this young side has show with players like Seb Ross, Shane Savage and Callum Wikle who all exceeding expectations. In addition to this Saint’s Captain Jaryn Geary have been great for them this season but is out for a while with injury which has effected them in the backline against the Crows which saw tough loss but in saying this it is great to see Saints up there this season. The Saint’s next game have test playing the informed Giants at Canberra but as we seen this season anything is possible.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 07: Jarryn Geary of the Saints leads his team through the banner during the 2019 AFL round 03 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the St Kilda Saints at Optus Stadium on April 07, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Melbourne

Well another surpise this season is the Demons demise this season. with only 1 win and 5 loses looking like there no finals fairytale this year. There have questions that the premlin final has caused mental scaring and this is been mention by Club legend David Schwarz who saids “There is not one player on Melbourne list who has improved from last year, not one”. In saying this those their win against Swans did bring look like the team from 2018 with players such as Nathan Jones who was key in that win with 21 disposals and 3 goals but this has been only highlight for the season but as we know team can get on a roll and the demons can do that as they are facing Hawthorn at the MCG.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 24: Christian Petracca of the Demons looks dejected after a loss during the 2019 AFL round 06 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Sydney

Well this team who looking like who be down the ladder this season. The Swans are same as Melbourne with 1 win and 5 loses. What has been quite disappointing so far. The swans look terrible against the Giants and not be by help the news that Buddy Franklin is injured and will not play this week . In saying this their only win was against a competitive Carlton and their main players such as Josh Kennedy who had 31 disposals and 1 goal was key to the win. But have not look like beating anyone else . This week does not get any tougher for the Swans they come up against upcoming Brisbane at the GABBA. It might be a long year for the swans.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 27: Swans coach John Longmire speaks to his players at quarter time during the round 6 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground on April 27, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

GWS

The giants have been interesting this season with 4 wins and 2 loses and have been the talk of the town in Sydney. Giants have won the toughest away game in footy at Geelong and destroy Sydney on their home turf. Giants forwards have been quality with Jeremy Cameron averaging 4 goals a game which is great for a full forward. In addition to this Tim Taranto is in his best form with averaging 26 disposals this season so far and which saw a best on ground game against the Swans with 30 disposals and 1 goal. The Giants are a tricky team to track as they have had shock loss to Fremantle but apart from that they are looking like the form team for this season. The Giants face the Saints in the nation capital Canberra which tell where they are really at.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 27: Jeremy Cameron of the Giants looks upfield during the round 6 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground on April 27, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide

The power who also 4 win and 2 loses have been tricky to pick. They show both sides a great win against the premiers West Coast in Perth but then gone and lost to an undermanned Richmond team. In saying this the look a team that will make finals with Tom Rockcliff averaging 32 disposals a game and injection of youth into the team with rookie Zach Butters and Connor Rosee playing well above expectations has been great to the power who have lost Jack Watts to injury who also looking to finally be hitting the straps. Furthermore if power want to make finals they have to not allow Fourth quarter fade out’s as seen against North Melbourne on Friday night which saw the roo’s kick 5 unanswered goals in the last quarter which nearly saw a shock win to the roo’s. But in saying this Power do look dangerous and have interesting contest against Collingwood this week in Melbourne.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 26: Port Adelaide players sing the club song during the round 6 AFL match between Port Adelaide and North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on April 26, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs

The dogs are in rebuilding phase but show some good form with being 2 wins and 4 loses. Considering the big win against Hawks which made Dog’s fans think back to 2016 there has been not to cheer for the dogs lately with a poor games against the suns and Blues which has really hurt them this season. But in saying this the big bright spot is Marcus Bontempelli who is being playing great lately with averaging this season 28 disposals. But needs help and will especially needed this week as the playing an informed Richmond at the fast Marvel Stadium which has been a fortress for the dogs in previous years.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 27: The Bulldogs leave the field after the teams defeat during the round 6 AFL match between Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Gold Coast

The Suns have been one of the surprises this season with 3 wins and 3 loses. It has been a joy for the Sun’s fans as finally seeing growth in this young team with players like Alex Sexton being a forefront in their forward line who kick 16 goals this season. In addition to this Ben Ainsworth has been star for the suns with averaging 16 disposals this year and main player in the Sun’s game plan. In saying this Suns have unforgettable two weeks with two big loses against the Crows and the lions but still have been positive start for the Suns. Gold coast play West Coast which will be tough game for this young team.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 14: Alex Sexton of the Suns celebrates his goal with team mates during the round four AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Carlton Blues at Metricon Stadium on April 14, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Brisbane

Lions have been another surprise in 2019. They have won 4 and lost 2. They are been great this season with players like Lachie Neal who is showing why is a first class player who had a best ground performance against the suns with 28 disposals and 1 goal and is averaging this year 34 disposals. To add to this players like Cameron Ranyer , Hugh McCluggage have been great impact for the lions who have major influence in lions wins. In addition to this the mixture of youth and senior players have been great for the lions with Luke Hodge still playing at his best and been great for lions down back. Lions have winnable game this week against struggling Swans who are without buddy at the GABBA.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 27: Cam Rayner of the Lions breaks free to snap a goal during the round 6 AFL match between Gold Coast and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Carlton

The blues are on the cusp. They have been quite competitive team this year even though they register 1 win and 5 loses. Patrick Cripps has been influential this season and had another great game against the Hawks with 28 disposals in the loss. In saying this though the no.1 draft pick Sam Walsh is be quite outstanding this season and in the win against dogs was outstanding with 26 disposals and 1 goal. Also to add to this Harry Mckay has been quite great this season who has kick 11 goals this season and being taking the strong pack marks which a full forward needs to do. Furthermore Blues will be annoy with lost against the Hawks but to stay positive if want the win this week against the Roos at Marvel Stadium.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 21: Patrick Cripps of the Blues handballs to Sam Petrevski-Seton of the Blues during the round 5 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Carlton at Marvel Stadium on April 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

North Melbourne

The Roos are in struggle street at the moment but have look good this season. Especially in their win against Crows which was only win but play pretty good with Ben Brown kick 4 goals in the win. But in saying this the Roo’s have been poor especially in the huge loss against the Bombers. In saying this they are finding some good young players such as Nick Larkey who made his debut against the power and look at home as a forward. In addition this Ross will be annoy they kick 5 goals in the fourth quarter as did match with Port Adelaide but were 40 pints down when the comeback started. The good news is they playing against Carlton which go either way and might be win for struggling kangas.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 26: Jack Ziebell of the Kangaroos celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 6 AFL match between Port Adelaide and North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on April 26, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Hawthorn

Hawks are sitting at 3 win and 3 loses and been very fickle as seen by the previous game against blues which saw come behind win. Jager O’mera has been a star for the Hawks who had 42 touches in the win. In saying this those they did similar thing against Dogs where they gave up a 5 goal lead. The Hawks are a hard team to read at the moment and will want another victory this week when they play Melbourne at the MCG .

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 28: Jaeger O’Meara of the Hawks is chased by Matthew Kreuzer of the Blues during the 2019 AFL round 06 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Carlton Blues at UTAS Stadium on April 28, 2019 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Richmond

Tigers are battling at the moment with loss of Alex Rance which has been a major setback for the team but in saying this they are 4 wins and 2 loses. The surprise of this is how quickly Sydney Stack and Seb Ross has become main part of this team and helping in the wins who have great to the depleted side. In addition Tigers million dollar man Tom Lych is looking a million dollar man with kicking 15 goals this season. Furthermore the backline is holding up pretty well with Dylan Grimes and Nick Valsutin playing at the same level as the 2017 and 2018 season. In saying this they need Dustin Martin to be firing as he been quite quiet this season but knowing the champion player he will bounce back from the unusual poor form. Tigers playing the dogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 24: Tom Lynch of the Tigers competes for the ball against during the round 6 AFL match between Richmond and Melbourne at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Geelong

The cat’s the form team at the moment. Who have played really well especially in the last round against Eagles at home which did look vulnerable in their look against Giants. Patrick Dangerfield is looking he back to his 2016 Brownlow form and Gary Ablett is look’s home at forward. Geelong also has the find’s of the season with their young kids Charlie Aitkins and Tim Kelly who playing very good. The Cats play bombers on Sunday at the MCG .

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 22: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats in action during the 2019 AFL round 05 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)
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Published by patrick359

I am currently a Sports Journalism student at Latrobe Uni and have a great passion for sport and this blog is just my take on the sport I hope you enjoy.

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