The undefeated teams and the winless teams all remained on their early season trajectories across round four, with the Cats, Crows and Tigers staying in the top three and the Swans, Roos and Hawks keeping themselves down the bottom.
Fremantle and Gold Coast got back-to-back to kick-start their season, while Melbourne lost their second consecutive match after starting 2-0.
- Adelaide (-)
Ladder position: 2nd
The Crows dominated Essendon from start to finish on Saturday night, as another big win from Adelaide keeps them as the side to beat in the competition.
2. GWS (-)
Ladder position: 4th
A five goal to zero final term saw the Giants kick away from Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon, with Jon Patton booting a career-high six goals. After losing to the Crows on the opening weekend, GWS have been in little trouble since and have rocketed back into flag contention.
3. Geelong (-)
Ladder position: 1st
The Cats led Hawthorn by 34 points at three-quarter time before over-running them with 11 straight goals in the final term to post the 86-point win. While Geelong have been relatively unconvincing in the opening four rounds, they've got four wins on the board, and that's the main thing.
4. Western Bulldogs (-)
Ladder position: 6th
The Dogs overturned a deficit that ballooned out to 29-points early in the third quarter, and came back strong to record a three-point win. Luke Dahlhaus dominated with 32 touches and two goals, as the Bulldogs moved to 3-1 on the season.
5. West Coast (+1)
Ladder position: 5th
Much needed win for the Eagles. After a poor loss to Richmond last weekend, it was a must-win against a hungry Sydney side, and the West Coast leaders stood up and led them to victory. A huge test in awaits the Eagles this weekend, as they travel to Melbourne to face Hawthorn.
6. Port Adelaide (-1)
Ladder position: 7th
A poor final term saw a one-point Power lead turn into a five-goal loss, as the Giants just ran over the top of them. Port Adelaide stuck with them for most of the match, which should give them some confidence moving forward.
7. Richmond (-)
Ladder position: 3rd
The Tigers did what they had to do against the Lions on Sunday, cruising to a 52-point win at the Gabba. Jack Riewoldt was strong again and the Richmond small forwards were dangerous throughout, as the Tigers stay undefeated for another weekend.
8. St Kilda (+3)
Ladder position: 10th
St Kilda moved into the eight in these power rankings almost by default, with the Demons, Swans and Bombers all needing to move down the order. The Saints dominated Collingwood in the third term and held on throughout the fourth to register their second win of the season, as they look to force themselves into the top eight of the AFL ladder.
9. Melbourne (-)
Ladder position: 8th
Another close loss, and another cross against the names of Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan. The pair sat out their second straight match and witnessed their side's second straight loss, as Fremantle rallied to kick seven goals to nil in the third term and hold on for the gritty two-point win.
10. Sydney (-2)
Ladder position: 16th
What's going on with the Swans? Another loss, and Sydney are now 0-4, and looking in real trouble. A loss to the Giants this weekend will see them start the season with five losses, and Sydney could pretty much kiss the finals goodbye if they drop another four points.
11. Essendon (-1)
Ladder position: 11th
Essendon simply didn't have what it took to stay with the Crows for much of the encounter on Saturday night, and were blown away from the first moments of the match. John Worsfold said his side may have even "hit the wall" following their first month of football, which doesn't bode well for Dons fans if true - there's still 18 rounds to go.
12. Fremantle (+4)
Ladder position: 12th
Two weeks ago, the Dockers were well and truly down for the count. Now, they've just beaten Melbourne for their second win in a row, and are right in the mix with several other finals bound sides with a 2-2 record.
13. Gold Coast (+2)
Ladder position: 9th
Just like the Dockers, Gold Coast's past two weeks have turned their season around, and a strong win against Carlton will give the Suns confidence that their season is back on track now.
14. Collingwood (-2)
Ladder position: 13th
The Pies are struggling to use the ball efficiently this season, which has seen them almost kick themselves out of contests already this year. Another poor performance in front of goal, and Collingwood are now starting to see a finals position slip from their hands.
15. North Melbourne (+3)
Ladder position: 17th
North Melbourne could easily be 2-2 this season, but will go into round four at 0-4 after surrendering a 29-point lead to the Bulldogs to come up three points short. There's enough talent there to hold on to leads in the future, but the inexperience has shone through so far this season.
16. Carlton (-2)
Ladder position: 14th
A disappointing result. In a match that was a genuine 50/50 to most supporters out there, Carlton just hung with the Suns until half time before being blown away in the second half.
17. Brisbane (-)
Ladder position: 15th
Brisbane weren't really in the game against Richmond for the majority of the contest, kicking just four goals in the opening half. Tom Rockliff and Dayne Zorko fought gallantly, but the Lions were just a class below the Tigers.
18. Hawthorn (-5)
Ladder position: 18th
This is becoming a real problem for Hawthorn now. Back-to-back 86-point losses to the Gold Coast and perennial rivals Geelong sees the Hawks rooted to the bottom of the ladder, and there genuinely looks no way out. If they lose to a West Coast side who don't play well in Melbourne this weekend, even more serious questions will be raised.
