1. Richmond (-)
Richmond have once again consolidated top spot on the ladder following Thursday night's gripping win against Sydney. The reigning premiers ended the Swans six-game winning streak, in what was a high-pressure, high-quality game. Reece Conca's gruesome ankle injury early on was sure to rock the Tigers, but they kept their composure beautifully and asserted their long-standing authority.
2. Sydney (-)
Though the Swans had won their previous two games against Richmond, they suffered a 26-point loss this week at Thursday night's thriller. The Swans will have the chance to redeem themselves in their clash against Geelong on Thursday night.
3. Collingwood (+1)
The Pies this week eased past the Suns in a 39-point domination on Saturday night. They maintained a match-winning lead following eight consecutive goals, piling on the pressure and pouncing on turnovers - though their play in the game's last 45 minutes could have been tightened a little.
4. West Coast (-1)
The Eagles have suffered their third straight loss this round in a shock 10-point landslide defeat to Adelaide after winning 10 consecutive games in a row from rounds 2-11. Despite defeat, the Eagles remain a solid contender for finals.
5. Port Adelaide (+1)
Port Adelaide has clinched its fourth consecutive win, victorious this round over cellar-dwellers Carlton in a 21-point win at the MCG. Midfield bulls Ollie Wines and Tom Rockliff gave the Power the half-time surge they needed, walking away winners over the tired Blues.
6. Geelong (-1)
In a game that proved a major arm-wrestle, the Cats this week just fell short against the Dogs, fighting up until the end with little separating the teams for most of the night. It seems as though Geelong is trapped in a mid-season bye hoodoo, stretching their string of losses to seven and missing a golden opportunity to secure their position in the top eight.
7. Melbourne (-)
The Demons are finding themselves on the verge of tumbling out of the top eight this week, in the wake of a devastating two-point defeat to St Kilda on Sunday - making this round their third loss in a row. Coach Simon Goodwin has conceded his sides' inability to defend was the Demons' major downfall against the Saints, but is positive they can turn their loss into a lesson.
8. North Melbourne (-)
Defeated by the Dons in an old-school shootout, the Roos this week couldn't compare to Essendon's textbook game. Though taking on the initial lead by 20 points with thanks to Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington, they fell short against Essendon's fighting spirit and electric pace.
9. GWS (+1)
For the first time in almost two months, GWS have rocketed their way up the ladder after edging Hawthorn by 11 points in one of their most productive games of the year. GWS will go on to tackle top-ladder teams Richmond, West Coast and Port Adelaide in what will either make or break their campaign over the next few weeks. Kudos goes to key forward Jonathan Patton for his composure towards his final-quarter free kick following on from a painful blow to the knee.
10. Essendon (+1)
The Bombers have come out on top in what was a Cinderella-story 17-point win against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, driving them just onto the cusp of possibility for finals and devastating the Roos, who subsequently lost their chance to crawl back into the top eight. This game produced miracle goals, high marks and zipping plays which reflected Essendon's recent spike in performance and mid-season surge. Orazio Fantasia is shaping up to be a major playmaker for the Dons this season, as well as Shaun McKernan and midfielder Zach Merrett.
11. Hawthorn (-2)
The Hawks' tough 11-point loss to Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night might have dented their chances for finals. Hawthorn was overpowered by the Giants, made worse through the absence of Jack Gunston, who was withdrawn before the match with a corked calf, squandering their forward line. The Hawks are still in with a finals chance according to coach Alastair Clarkson - it seems they won't go down without a fight.
12. Adelaide (-)
The Crows this round soared over the Eagles, staging a classic final-quarter comeback after looking like a sure-defeat. Adelaide delivered a stunning response to the Eagles' advances, delivering a devastating six consecutive goals. Adelaide this week have re-ignited hope to overcome horror season so far, following on from a hellish injury toll and growing pre-season camp dramas.
13. Western Bulldogs (+1)
The Dogs have finally put an end to their five-game losing streak in a huge upset win against the Cats on Friday night. A well deserved two-point victory, the Dogs this round sported some serious heroes - pocket rocket Ed Richards kicked two early goals that saw the Dogs bounce back, Billy Gowers scored a Jackie Chan-like goal, and Mitch Wallis kicked an incredible backwards goal.
14. Fremantle (-1)
The injury-ravaged Dockers were demolished by the Lions, nursing injuries to captain Nat Fyfe and ruckman Aaron Sandilands and losing all sense of structure in the third quarter. Fremantle's slim finals hopes have only slipped further away following the devastating upset - and without Fyfe, the Dockers are set to struggle.
15. Brisbane (-)
The Lions undoubtedly feasted on Fremantle this week in what was a thrilling game of football for Brisbane fans. In control of the game from the beginning, the Lions called to every challenge from the Dockers and seized on their apparent vulnerabilities and generally approaching the ball better than their opponents.
16. St Kilda (-)
Back-to-back wins for the Saints continue this round - on either side of their bye, as they appear to finally be waving goodbye to a horror 11-week winless stretch of games. Despite being unable to pierce the Demons' defensive wall in the opening 10 minutes, the Saints quickly redeemed themselves through domination from the outside.
17. Gold Coast (-)
The Magpies' pressure on the Suns was just too much this week. Though trying hard early, Gold Coast couldn't sustain the intensity they needed long enough, and they fell hard against Collingwood's best efforts. To the credit of the Suns, however, they continued to fight where they hadn't in recent weeks with more inside 50's - but sloppily executed.
18. Carlton (-)
The Blues this week couldn't salute Kade Simpson's 300th game with a victory, staying on the bottom of the ranks despite a commendable performance against the Power. Port Adelaide piled on five unanswered goals in the second term, but coach Brendon Bolton believes the Blues walked away with a few "little wins" and a fighting spirit. Hope remains that Carlton's little wins may evolve into some big ones - but only time will tell.
