1. Richmond (Last week: -)
A dominant victory over St. Kilda keeps the Tigers on top for another week, in a game where it appeared Dustin Martin returned to his damaging best. All eyes now turn to the MCG this Saturday afternoon, where the premiers face Collingwood in possibly the biggest game of the season.
2. West Coast (-)
West Coast started their campaign minus Nic Naitanui strongly with a nine-goal victory over the Bulldogs at home. The Eagles will have a nervous wait to see if they will have skipper Shannon Hurn for their game against North Melbourne, after his bump resulted in Bulldog Mitch Honeychurch heading to hospital.
3. Collingwood (-)
The Magpies made a big statement after their loss to West Coast, beating North Melbourne emphatically by 66 points on Saturday. The Pies had a good spread of goalkickers, led by Jordan De Goey and Brody Mihocek who both had four. The true test comes this weekend against the Tigers, where the Pies will hope to truly put their mark on the 2018 season.
4. GWS (+3)
GWS are once again the big movers after another big win against a good side, beating the Power by 22 points at Adelaide Oval. The Giants won the game in the midfield, having 22 more clearances for an important road win, keeping their top four chances alive. The Giants take on St. Kilda at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
5. Port Adelaide (-)
Without star ruckman Paddy Ryder, the Power were dominated in the middle by GWS, losing a game where a win would have moved them into the top four. Back to back losses for Port Adelaide now bring them back into the big group fighting for the last five spots in the top eight. Port take on the Bulldogs in Ballarat on Saturday.
6. Sydney (-2)
Sydney gave up a 29-point quarter time lead to Gold Coast to lose by 24 points, putting their top four hopes in jeopardy and potentially finals altogether. The Swans face a tougher test Friday night, travelling to Melbourne to face the in-form Bombers.
7. Geelong (+1)
The Cats move up thanks to an after the siren goal by Zach Tuohy to snatch victory against the Demons. Big forward Tom Hawkins starred, kicking seven goals, with four of those coming in the final term to help steal a vital win. Geelong hosts Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium to continue their push for finals.
8. Melbourne (-2)
One goal and an ill timed blood rule keeps the Demons from rising to 5th on this list and sends them back down to 8th. The Demons held a 23-point lead at the final change but couldn't hang on to beat the Cats. Melbourne travel to Adelaide this weekend to take on the Crows.
9. Essendon (+1)
A 29-point win over Fremantle in Melbourne doesn't appear to be that impressive on paper, however this game was dominated by the Bombers and would have been a rout if not for poor goalkicking. Orazio Fantasia returned from a groin injury with five goals, meaning Essendon have now won five of their past six. They host the Swans at Etihad Stadium, still trying to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
10. Adelaide (+1)
The Crows withstood a final quarter fightback from Brisbane to hold on for a crucial five point win at the GABBA. Hugh Greenwood was the key, kicking four goals in the tight victory. Adelaide play host to Melbourne at home on Saturday, an important game for both sides.
11. North Melbourne (-2)
The Kangaroos produced a meek performance, conceding their biggest score for the year to Collingwood. North Melbourne were never in the game, with big forward Ben Brown held to just two goals by Jeremy Howe. The Roos will need to beat the Eagles in Hobart to stay in the hunt for the finals.
12. Hawthorn (-)
The Hawks may feel hard done by to not move up after a 12-goal win but the value of the opposition needs to be taken into account. This was nothing more than a training drill as Tom Mitchell ran riot with 46 disposals. Hawthorn travel to Perth to take on the Dockers this weekend in a tricky game.
13. Brisbane (-)
Brisbane lost a close encounter with the Crows at home, ending their run of wins. The Lions will look forward to the probable returns of Luke Hodge and Harris Andrews in their clash with the Cats down in Geelong.
14. Fremantle (-)
The Dockers fell 29 points short to Essendon on Saturday, hampered by the loss of ruckman Sean Darcy before the bounce. Fremantle play host to Hawthorn on Sunday afternoon.
15. Gold Coast (+2)
In possibly the biggest upset of the season, the Suns beat Sydney for the first time in their history on the Swans' turf. Aaron Young was the Suns' spark kicking four goals, as they look for back to back wins this weekend, hosting the lowly Blues.'
16. Western Bulldogs (-)
The Dogs stood no chance travelling to Perth to take on a flying Eagles side, losing by 54 points. Luke Dahlhaus will miss the rest of the season with a sydnesmosis injury, although the Dogs will be buoyed by the return of Marcus Bontempelli this weekend.
17. St. Kilda (-2)
The Saints had lost this game by half time, finishing the game as 54-point losers to Richmond in Maddie's Match. The Saints take on the red hot Giants in Western Sydney on Saturday night as it moves toward the end of the year.
18. Carlton (-)
Another stock standard performance from the destined wooden spooners, who failed to score in the first quarter and managed one goal in the entire first half. The news only gets worse as the Blues have lost both Zac Fisher and Liam Jones for the rest of the season. Carlton take on the Suns at Metricon Stadium, hoping to show some sings of life.
