The 2021 season has been a rollercoaster for many teams. A number of finals hopefuls have failed to live up to expectations, while other teams have been surprise packets through the first 10 rounds.

Many AFL experts believe that the top eight are almost a lock, but with Richmond falling to ninth after a loss to the Lions, there is still plenty of debate as to who will claim the final spots for finals.

With all that being said, here is Zero Hanger's Power Rankings after Round 10!

1. Western Bulldogs (+1)

The Dogs look unstoppable of late and Round 10 was no exception after embarrassing the Saints on Saturday night. Looking for revenge after their Elimination Final loss to the Saints last year, the Dogs dominated every facet of the game toward a dominant 111-point demolition of a woeful St.Kilda.

Domination at every position, the Dogs just wanted the footy more. It started in the middle of the ground, with Jack Macrae (41 disposals, 14 score involvements, nine clearances), Tom Liberatore (31 disposals, 17 score involvements, eight clearances), and Bailey Dale (34 disposals, two goals) all racking up a heap of the footy. Despite their dominance, captain Marcus Bontempelli was a clear best on ground with an enormous 26 disposals, 797 metres gained and four goals.

A special mention also goes out to Aaron Naughton who dominated the second half, incredibly beating the Saints off his own boot with five goals and four points (34) to five goals and three points (33).

The Dogs will look to firmly stamp themselves down as the premiership favourites next week as they take on the other 9-1 side Melbourne in a friday night blockbuster.

2. Melbourne (-1)

Despite a shock loss to a 'wild card' Crows team, the alarm bells shouldn't be ringing just yet for Demons fans. There is a body of work behind the Demons after 10 rounds that suggest that they are the real deal, and deserve to be still up the top end of the ladder.

In one of the most impressive performances from a losing side in recent memory, Clayton Oliver almost willed the Demons to the win single-handedly with a monstrous 38 disposals, 13 clearances, nine tackles and three goals.

The usual suspects are still standing tall for the Demons, with Christian Petracca, Eric Langdon and Max Gawn putting together big performances week in week out. The Demons will be fired up and keen to assert their dominance over the competition once again when facing the aforementioned Bulldogs on Friday night at Marvel Stadium.

3. Brisbane (+1)

Brisbane climb into to the top three of the Power Rankings with a clinical win over the reigning premiers on Friday Night. After the Tigers kicked the first three goals of the game, the Lions were rampant with their pressure, dominating the contest.

It started with their ability to negate the presence of the Tigers superstar Dustin Martin, with Brandon Starcevich adding another scalp to his impressive collection through the 2021 season.

Up the forward end of the ground, Zac Bailey is announcing himself as a superstar in the making, with his explosive and classy style of play leading to four straight majors and double digit score involvements. Eric Hipwood was also instrumental up front as the only other Lions multiple goal-kicker, with four straight of his own.

Self-proclaimed "barometer" Rhys Mathieson also stood tall for the Lions on the weekend, with a couple of big plays. The Lions will look to keep their current form going with a huge matchup against the rolling Giants at the Gabba on Saturday.

4. Geelong (-1)

Although winning on the weekend, it wasn't as convincing of a victory as Geelong would've hoped for. Gold Coast were wasteful with their opportunities in the first half, and failed to put enough pressure on the Cats to get them out of middle gear.

Since their demolition of the Tigers in Round 8, the Cats last two wins have been less than convincing. Nonetheless, the Cats are still purring along nicely, sitting comfortably at third on the ladder. Cam Guthrie and Mitch Duncan looked hot before their own injury issues. With extra load in the midfield. Joel Selwood, Quinton Narkle and Sam Menegola all stood tall with 30+ disposals each.

Another straightforward win looks likely for the Cats this week as they take on the struggling Pies at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully, more than 18,000 get down to watch the contest.

5. Port Adelaide (-)

Another team that looked less than convincing over the weekend, Port Adelaide were struggling for answers against a brave Collingwood side on Sunday afternoon. After only scoring a single behind in the first quarter, the Pies looked like upsetting Port in a game that had a lot of symbolic meaning behind it. In the end, the battle for the prison bar guernsey was awarded to Port.

The usual suspects stood tall for the Power, with Travis Boak (27 disposals, eight clearances) and Ollie Wines (27 disposals, one goal) doing the a majority of the heavy lifting in the middle, while the ever reliable Robbie Gray provided a much needed jolt up forward, kicking three of the team's eight majors.

The Power need to lift in the latter half of the season, as they are only registering wins against sides that are struggling. Sitting 7-3, an important clash against the dangerous Dockers is a must win for the Power to steady the ship somewhat.

6. Greater Western Sydney (+3)

The Giants are becoming one of the more dangerous sides in the competition. Winning five of the last seven games, GWS have stormed their way into finals contention after what was a disappointing 0-3 start to the season.

Despite the current injury issues at GWS, the full extent of their depth has been on full display in recent weeks. A strong performance against an elite West Coast midfield would have Giants fans excited, after being left disappointed with a rather lacklustre 2020 season.

Josh Kelly showed his versatility around the ground in his first game as acting captain, leading a midfield that dominated around the contest. The Giants finished with +101 disposals and +10 clearances despite being dominated by Nic Naitanui in the ruck contest.

Jacob Hopper is having a career-best season, Lachie Whitfield and Callan Ward led all disposal winners and second-year player Tom Green is cementing himself as the firm Rising Star favourite after a prolific 27-disposal and two-goal performance.

The Giants are starting to gain momentum in their season and are a side that many teams don't want to matchup against. The Giants will consider themselves a huge chance when they travel to the Gabba and take on the equally in-form Lions.

7. Richmond (-1)

Richmond were out-muscled on Friday night against an in form Lions side, causing the Tigers to fall out of the eight to their oh-too-familiar ninth place.

Despite a patch of less than convincing performances, this is not new territory for this era's Richmond outfit. After Round 8 in 2020, the Tigers were sitting outside the eight with a record of 4-1-3. And we all know where that lead to...

Although on a higher alert of sorts, Tigers fans should still feel comfortable with the side looking to welcome back some key players within the next couple of weeks. In the absence of some midfield firepower, Liam Baker has impressed, averaging 28.5 disposals over the last two games.

Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt also had good games despite their side's loss, each contributing three goals each. They will be hoping for a similar game against the Adelaide Crows, who are full of confidence after ending Melbourne's unbeaten run on Saturday evening.

8. Sydney (-1)

An exciting game was played on Saturday night that saw the Swans robbed at the death by the Dockers thanks to a late captain's goal from superstar Nat Fyfe.

It soured what was looking likely to be a really impressive win for Sydney on the road, with a number of exceptional performances from numerous players across the ground.

Jordan Dawson had an exceptional night with an equal career-high 31 disposals, which included 10 intercept possessions, 17 rebound 50's and 711 metres gained.

Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy amassed 57 touches between them, while the Buddy show was on full display with Lance Franklin kicking six goals. With his career tally sitting 37 goals shy, Franklin could possibly eclipse the 1000 goals this season.

The Swans travel back home to the SCG this weekend to take on the Blues, in a clash that provides a great opportunity to bounce back. They will enter the game clear favourites, in a game that will help them cement their standing in the top eight with another win on the board.

9. West Coast (-1)

West Coast drop down the Power Rankings once again after another chance to shake their "flat-track bullies" tag was left begging. The Eagles were in the contest all game, but allowed the undermanned Giants to kick away late to rue another missed opportunity.

A stark contrast to their Round 9 win over the Crows, the Eagles tall forwards struggled against the Giants, with Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen only able to kick one major each.

Nic Naitanui was dominant in the ruck contests, but the Eagles midfield were unable to benefit from it with Andrew Gaff the only Eagle with more than 23 disposals. The Eagles pressure was also heavily exposed, losing the tackle count 46-79 despite having 101 less disposals than the Giants. This "Mummy" tackle sums up the Eagles post-game feelings.

The one positive is that the Eagle return back home this round, with a matchup against the Bombers a must needed steadier for the hot and cold side.

10. Essendon (-)

At this point, Essendon would consider themselves a sneaky chance at finals. If results went their way, Essendon could be sitting 7-3 and firmly within the eight. Nonetheless, the future is bright at the Bombers, with the running rebuild under Ben Rutten working a treat so far.

The Shiel injury devastated many Bomber fans at the time, but it has been a huge blessing in disguise. With more midfield exposure, Darcy Parish has flourished as an up-and-coming superstar. Another dominant performance against the Kangaroos has seen Parish rack up 35.6 disposals per game over his last five games. Alongside Zach Merrett and Andrew McGrath, Essendon's midfield is one of the most in form in the competition.

Round 10's win over North Melbourne was expected, but the manner in which they won is what would please Ben Rutten so much. The win saw 12 players on the goalkickers list, with the Bombers able to control the game with ease.

With such a large number of players able to taste the feeling of a goal over the weekend, the Bombers will be confident they can pull off an upset against the struggling Eagles, even if it is on their home deck at Optus Stadium.

11. Adelaide (+3)

WHAT

A

WIN...

After losing five straight leading into Round 10, many would be forgiven for thinking that the unbeaten Demons would run rampant over the Crows. Cue the upset of the season.

Ben Keays is turning into an up and coming star, accumulating a career-high 34 disposals to go along with seven tackles and two goals. Rory Laird and Paul Seedsman were also prolific with 35 touches each. Riley O'Brien also stood tall, providing great contests with Max Gawn, and giving his side a chance in the middle. Despite losing the clearances, Adelaide were able to intercept, move the ball and transition through the Demons defence better than all opponents prior.

And cometh the moment cometh the man. In a resurgence of form in 2021, Tex Walker stood tall for his side. Kicking three goals, including the match winner late. Tex put the icing on the cake on what would be Matthew Nick's best win as Adelaide Coach.

Adelaide will enter Round 11 in spirits that they can beat anyone. And that attitude will be a must for them as they come against the reigning champs Richmond who look to bounce back and re-enter the top eight.

12. Carlton (-1)

A win for the Blues over the weekend was much needed, but it wasn't as convincing as Carlton would've liked.

Against the cellar dwellers Hawthorn, the Blues didn't put the Hawks away until late in the game. The Hawks defence were standing tall, limiting the Blues to only 35% of scores per inside 50.

Nonetheless, the Blues were able to run away with the four points, despite allowing Tom Mitchell to rack up 44 touches. Led by another great game by Sam Walsh, the young gun was able to accumulate 30 touches and a goal. Ed Curnow also had himself 28 disposals and eight tackles, whilst Zac Williams and Adam Saad had arguably their best games for the Blues with 26 disposals each.

They will need to back their performance up to want an opportunity to reach the eight, with a trip to the SCG against the Swans a tough but must win matchup on Sunday afternoon.

13. Fremantle (+2)

Fremantle were finally able to bounce back after losing three straight, with a gutsy win over the Swans keeping their finals chances alive.

A huge goal late by captain Nat Fyfe sealed the win, in a game that was evenly matched throughout the entirety of the contest.

The old veterans stood tall once again for the Dockers, with David Mundy continuing his sublime 2021 season with 29 touches, as well Nat Fyfe getting 27 touches himself.

In a forward line that normally sees Matt Taberner lead the way, Rory Lobb had himself his best game of the season, kicking four goals and competing in the ruck behind Sean Darcy.

The brave win over the Swans gives Fremantle's season a pulse again, with the Dockers hoping to carry over some momentum into their round 11 clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

14. Gold Coast (-1)

Despite a loss on the weekend, the Suns showed plenty of fight against the Cats at their fortress in Geelong. It was a game of what-ifs for Gold Coast, who squandered a number of gettable opportunities throughout the game that ultimately cost them a chance at upsetting the Cats who were far from their best.

After being really competitive in the first half, the Cats were able to more or less control the game after half time, playing keepings off from the Suns with 161 more disposals. Many Suns players struggled to make any impact on the game, with Touk Miller trying to lead from the front with 30 disposals and a goal, Will Powell with 20 disposals and 11 intercepts, while Ben King kicked 3.2.

Back-to-back-to-back disappointing losses has caused Stuart Dew's side to slide further down the ladder, with a matchup with Hawthorn a much needed opportunity to return to the winner's list. They host the Hawks in Darwin on Saturday night.

15. St.Kilda (-3)

Where to start with St.Kilda?

They gave up, so I will too. Being a Saints supporter is rewarding...

16. Collingwood (-)

One thing is clear after the Pies' loss to Port last round is that they are a different side with Taylor Adams on the field.

After coming back from a serious medial ligament injury, Adams came straight back into the side and dominated. He led the way in the middle that desperately missed him with 29 disposals and eight clearances. Grundy was also instrumental, particularly early, amassing 33 hitouts, 23 disposals and two goals.

In what was an impressive first half, the Collingwood of 2021 returned in the second half. Nathan Buckley's men struggled to hold on to their 25-point lead in the second quarter, allowing Port Adelaide to kick eight out of 10 goals between halfway through the second quarter and halfway through the fourth. Despite a near fairy tale ending, with Caleb Poulter kicking his first goal late, it wasn't enough to negate the damage done prior.

Collingwood were able to dominate across the board, but still managed to walk away empty handed. Their next three weeks will be difficult, with a Saturday afternoon matchup against the Cats likely to add to the pain of many Collingwood faithful.

17. Hawthorn (-)

A brave effort against the Blues was all that it ended up being. A miracle goal after the half time siren put the icing on the cake on a really strong first half performance, but there after wasn't backed up in the second as Carlton ran away with the win.

Tom Mitchell was somehow still able to amass 44 disposals, but was largely alone in the middle as his next biggest ball winner (Jarman Impey) had 20 less touches. Luke Breust and Harry Morrison were able to put four goals together in the first half, but the goals dried up for the Hawks in the second in what was another missed opportunity to bag the four points.

The Hawks will enter a winnable match against Gold Coast on Saturday night, who are also coming off a string of poor form themselves. Not exactly much watch footy.

18. North Melbourne (-)

At the bottom once again are the Kangaroos.

After their maiden win against the Hawks in Round 9, they weren't able to keep the momentum rolling as they were disappointedly rolled by a rampant Bombers outfit.

Cunnington remains one of North Melbourne's glimmers of hope for the season, collecting 34 disposals here, while Aaron Hall collected 29 of his own. Taylor Garner was able to make an impact on the scoreboard with three majors, while Tarryn Thomas and Tom Campbell able to kick a couple each also.

The biggest impact the Kangaroos were able to make on the game was Ben McKay ruiningย an Essendon supporters night on the boundary.

North will have their best chance of winning for the rest of the season when they face the struggling Saints in a prime time 4:35pm timeslot that will have hundreds of fans glued to their seats.