Two rounds in to 2017 and ESPN's AFL Power Rankings are beginning to take shape. Eight teams are undefeated through two weeks and eight teams remain winless, with just two sides -- Brisbane and Greater Western Sydney -- recording one win and one loss, although they find themselves at opposite ends of the form ladder.
The Crows retain their No. 1 ranking after overrunning the Hawks at the MCG, while Port Adelaide (who sit top of the AFL ladder) remain outside the Rankings' 'top four' for another week. But they get their chance in Saturday's Showdown against their great rivals to really establish their finals credentials and move up the rankings ladder.
As the rankings reflect, there are such things as an 'honourable loss' and a 'not-so-honourable win' in footy. North Melbourne have risen a couple of places on the back of a mostly impressive losing performance against the Cats on Sunday, while Melbourne have slipped two spots after very nearly coming undone at the hands of Carlton.
Richmond remain outside the Power Rankings' 'top eight' for another week -- not due to their performances, but the fact they haven't yet seen off a team of substance. The Tigers play the West Coast Eagles at the MCG this week, so expect some movement up the rankings if the yellow-and-black can continue their early winning form.
Further down the list, Carlton have moved off the bottom of the rankings -- despite two straight defeats -- because Fremantle and Gold Coast turned in putrid efforts, managing to lose by a combined total of 191 points at the weekend.
1. Adelaide:
Last week: 1 (no change)
Round 2: defeated Hawthorn by 24 points
Adelaide have well-and-truly cemented themselves among the premiership favourites after just two rounds of footy in 2017. The Crows have overcome two massive hurdles in the first two weeks - the Giants, albeit at home, and the Hawks at the MCG. Adelaide's versatile forward line continues to score heavily, while their so-called midfield 'deficiency' seems to be no hindrance at this stage of the year. David Mackay, Rory Sloane and Sam Jacobs were instrumental in the win over Hawthorn, while the largely unheralded backline held its own after quarter time. The Crows return to Adelaide Oval on Saturday to take on bitter rivals Port Adelaide. They've won the past three against the Power and will no doubt be keen to kick into another gear this weekend.
Next: Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval, Saturday, 7:40pm)
2. Western Bulldogs:
Last week: 4 (up 2)
Round 2: defeated Sydney by 23 points
After unfurling their premiership flag in front of more than 42,000 fans at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, the Bulldogs were slow to get moving against the Swannies. But, typically of the Dogs' young brigade, they responded, with Jake Stringer, Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Boyd all standing up in key moments. Ably supported by old heads Bob Murphy, Liam Picken and Easton Wood, the Bulldogs seem to have once again nailed the balance of personnel and should have no trouble extending their 2017 win streak to three when they travel west to take on the underwhelming Fremantle Dockers.
Next: Fremantle (Domain Stadium, Saturday 5:40pm local)
3. West Coast:
Last week: 3 (no change)
Round 2: defeated St Kilda by 19 points
West Coast fans would have breathed a collective sigh of relief on Saturday night, after their Eagles only just managed to overrun a determined St Kilda in the final quarter of their match at Domain Stadium. If West Coast are to put their hands up as a genuine premiership threat in 2017, they needs to win their games at home as their form away from Domain Stadium is patchy at best. To their credit, they showed some ticker and were able to storm home by 19 points after trailing by as many as 25 throughout the match. A big test greets them this week -- Richmond at the MCG -- but surprisingly the Eagles have good form against the Tigers in Melbourne; they've won four of the last five at the 'G against the yellow and black.
Next: Richmond (MCG, Saturday 2:10pm)
4. Geelong:
Last week: 2 (down 2)
Round 2: defeated North Melbourne by 1 point
Whether simply outclassed or complacent against a lesser opponent, the Cats were in all sorts of trouble early against the Kangaroos. But they can be credited with a solid comeback win -- even if only by a point, having been behind for all but the last minute of the match. Led by Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Dan Menzel, Geelong were able to respond to a gutsy North challenge to steal an unlikely victory after being 32 points down in the third term. While the performance was hardly convincing, one certainty is that Harry Taylor belongs in the backline, while Zach Tuohy has been a marvellous addition to the back six..
Next: Melbourne (Etihad Stadium, Saturday 4:35pm)
5. Port Adelaide:
Last week: 7 (up 2)
Round 2: defeated Fremantle by 89 points
It seems almost every footy fan in Adelaide would have woken up with a smile on Monday morning. For the first time since South Australia was given a second team, both the Crows and the Power are undefeated after two rounds, and they meet at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. The Power will have the 'home crowd' support this week, but they'll need to lift to another level if they're going to match the Crows' explosive style of play. The signs were there against the hapless Dockers: Robbie Gray was scintillating when up forward, their ball movement was at times mesmerising, while Sam Powell-Pepper proved his Round 1 Rising Star nomination was no fluke. Tune in on Saturday night...
Next: Adelaide (Adelaide Oval, Saturday 7:10pm local)
6. Greater Western Sydney:
Last week: 8 (up 2)
Round 2: defeated Gold Coast by 102 points
We can resume regular programming in Western Sydney. After being comprehensively beaten by Adelaide on the road in Round 1, it was business as usual for the Giants against Gold Coast on Saturday. Last week, we said it was incumbent upon the likes of Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron to step up and impose themselves on the big moments and they certainly did that on Saturday. Cameron kicked six goals and Greene chipped in for four among 22 touches in their side's 102-point shellacking of the Suns - the Giants' first 100+ point win in the club's short history. Round 3 looms as another winnable game for the GWS, who are no doubt hoping to take it one step further in 2017.
Next: North Melbourne (Blundstone Arena, 1:45pm)
7. Melbourne:
Last week: 5 (down 2)
Round 2: defeated Carlton by 22 points
After such a team-lifting win against the Saints in the first week, the Dees' win over Carlton on Sunday seemed a little lacklustre. Yes, they're sitting pretty at 2-0 (the first time since 2005), but to be threatened by an inexperienced Blues outfit could be cause for some concern. Simon Goodwin appeared to be out-coached by Brendon Bolton at some points, particularly in the third quarter, but, to their credit, the Melbourne players were able steady the ship. Clayton Oliver and Christian Salem were impressive while, at the end of the day, the Demons still managed a four-goal win without Jesse Hogan, Jordan Lewis and Christian Petracca having a noticeable influence -- good signs in a 'down' performance. Worryingly, they lose Lewis and Hogan to suspension for their next match -- a biggie against Geelong.
Next: Geelong (Etihad Stadium, Saturday 4:35pm)
8. Essendon:
Last week: 6 (down 2)
Round 2: defeated Brisbane by 27 points
Ultimately fruitful, their trip up to Brisbane wasn't overly convincing, and while they were able to repel a strong second half effort from the lowly Lions, the final margin did flatter the Bombers somewhat. On a positive note, Jobe Watson (34 touches) looks like he hasn't missed a beat in his year off, while the forward line combination of Orazio Fantasia, Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker could be a real handful for many teams. Essendon returns to Melbourne to battle traditional rivals Carlton on Sunday. The Bombers will go in as favourites, but, as seems to be the norm with this rivalry, anything can happen on the day.
Next: Carlton (MCG, Sunday 3:20pm)
9. Richmond:
Last week: 10 (up 1)
Round 2: defeated Collingwood by 19 points
Two Thursday night matches ... two wins for the new-look Tigers. Aided, perhaps, by Collingwood's frustrating inaccuracy and woeful disposal, Richmond did have a number of contributors on the night. Again unlucky not to crack into the Power Rankings' top eight, we will be happy to give credit where it is due once Richmond can beat a team with more substance. Of course, the Tigers can only beat whichever team is put in front of them, but the real test looms this week when the West Coast Eagles come to the MCG.
Next: West Coast (MCG, Saturday 2:10pm)
10. Sydney:
Last week: 9 (down 1)
Round 2: lost to Western Bulldogs by 23 points
The last time the Swans found themselves winless after two rounds, in 2014, they went on to win 13 of the next 14 matches on their way to a Grand Final appearance (and loss to Hawthorn). This time around, however, a significantly younger side must get season 2017 back on track. With key players such as Jarrad McVeigh, Dane Rampe, Gary Rohan, Isaac Heeney and now possibly Kurt Tippett all sidelined, the Swans' leaders such as Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Lance Franklin will all need to step up and stop the rot. While valiant on Friday night -- which also marked a successful return for Sam Reid (6 goals) -- the Swans need to win this week to keep their top four aspirations alive.
Next: Collingwood (SCG, Friday 7:50pm)
11. Hawthorn:
Last week: 11 (no change)
Round 2: lost to Adelaide by 24 points
It's far too early to write the Hawks out of premiership contention, but things aren't looking good for Alastair Clarkson's chargers. After a disappointing start against the Bombers in Round 1, Hawthorn had the chance to silence their critics with a strong showing against premiership contenders Adelaide. Unfortunately for Hawthorn fans, any optimism was short lived; Adelaide twice kicked four unanswered goals to put the match beyond doubt and in the process asked a number of burning questions about Hawthorn's start to the year. They should bounce back against the Suns this week, but, with matches against Geelong and West Coast in coming weeks, the Hawks could find themselves behind the eight ball after five rounds.
Next: Gold Coast (Metricon Stadium, Sunday 4:40pm)
12. St Kilda:
Last week: 14 (up 2)
Round 2: lost to West Coast by 19 points
After so much preseason promise, St Kilda find themselves 0-2 despite two fast starts. In Round 1, the Saints opened a five-goal lead over the Dees only to lose by 30 points; they then led at every change against the Eagles only to be mown down in the last quarter. A side of more mettle might well have run away with Saturday night's match, but, as it was, the Saints' poor accuracy in front of goal allowed the Eagles back into the contest (even if it seemed like there was help from the men in green). The signs are there, but with Melbourne, Richmond, Port Adelaide and Essendon all seemingly vying for the same one or two spots in the top eight come September, St Kilda might have shot themselves in the foot after just two matches.
Next: Brisbane (Etihad Stadium, Sunday 1:10pm)
13. North Melbourne:
Last week: 16 (up 3)
Round 2: lost to Geelong by 1 point
Had you had told a North Melbourne supporter last week that the Roos would run Geelong within one point, you probably would have been laughed at. Without Goldstein and Waite, and featuring a number of inexperienced kids, Sunday's performance was as good as many North fans would have hoped for. Some will argue they should have capitalised on with their lead (which was at 32 points in the third quarter), but it would be remiss not to acknowledge Geelong's class around the ball (up around 90 percent disposal efficiency in the last quarter) which ultimately proved to be too much for the young Roos in the final term.
Next: GWS (Blundstone Arena, Saturday 1:45pm)
14. Brisbane:
Last week: 12 (down 2)
Round 2: lost to Essendon by 27 points
The Lions might have lost by 27 points to the Bombers on Saturday night, but the final score somewhat flattered the visitors. Under the pump early, the Lions fought back hard in the third and early parts of the fourth quarter -- even taking the lead two minutes into the final term -- before a flurry of late Essendon goals brought the comeback undone. Encouragingly for Brisbane fans, the forward line looks in terrific shape moving forward, with Michael Close and Eric Hipwood taking control at various stages, while Josh Schache and No. 3 draft pick Hugh McLuggage are still to make their first appearances in 2017.
Next: St Kilda (Etihad Stadium, Sunday 1:10pm)
15. Collingwood:
Last week: 13 (down 2)
Round 2: lost to Richmond by 19 points
If Nathan Buckley isn't feeling the heat after two poor performances to start 2017, he might start to feel hot under the collar after Round 3. The Pies, coming off a 19-point loss to Richmond on Thursday night, travel to Sydney to play a Swans outfit that will be raring to get their season back on track. Buckley himself can't shoulder the blame for his side's poor disposal and decision making against the Tigers, but Collingwood fans are beginning to turn on their favourite son. The Pies still have glaring deficiencies up forward and, at this early stage of his career, it can't be left to Darcy Moore to shoulder the load. Expect Collingwood to be 0-3 after this week.
Next: Sydney (SCG, Friday 7:50pm)
16. Carlton:
Last week: 18 (up 2)
Round 2: lost to Melbourne by 22 points
There was plenty of optimism from Carlton fans leaving the MCG on Sunday, despite the fact their team had blown a real chance to steal an unlikely victory. The Blues surged to the lead in the third quarter against Melbourne, but were unable to run the match out -- ultimately losing by 22 points. The Blues were better than the final margin suggested, and there were promising signs again from Carlton's youth. Sam Petrevski-Seton, Harrison Macreadie, Caleb Marchbank and Lachie Plowman all looked comfortable in the Blues' best 22, while Patrick Cripps was outstanding with 10 clearances. Maybe they're not a 'lock' for the wooden spoon just yet ...
Next: Essendon (MCG, Sunday 3:20pm)
17. Gold Coast:
Last week: 15 (down 2)
Round 2: lost to GWS by 102 points
What a shocker of a week for the Gold Coast Suns. Not only did they go down by 102 points to fellow expansion side GWS, but footy commentators were sinking the boots into Gary Ablett for his apparent lack of effort at the contest. Add to that fact that Rodney Eade sits alongside Nathan Buckley as a coach firmly 'in the gun' after just two rounds, and it's not the start the Suns were looking for in 2017. As a positive, both Jack Bowes and Ben Ainsworth didn't look out of place at AFL level, while surely 'Rocket' Eade will swing the axe and blood fellow draftee Will Brodie in the coming weeks.
Next: Hawthorn (Metricon Stadium, Sunday 4:40pm)
18. Fremantle:
Last week: 17 (down 1)
Round 2: lost to Port Adelaide by 89 points
From the outside, it doesn't seem like much has changed down at Fremantle since last year's bottom-four finish. Despite getting Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands back, the Dockers have made no impact on the competition so far in 2017. Freo are desperately missing some forward-line class in the form of Hayden Ballantyne, while Cam McCarthy is yet to fire a shot in the season proper. With Ross Lyon contracted until the end of 2020, perhaps it's time to start 'playing the kids' so he can have some semblance of a team which can threaten September action by the time his contract talks roll around again...
Next: Western Bulldogs (Domain Stadium, Saturday 5:40pm local)