The bye weeks are finally done-and-dusted, and this week's edition of the ESPN's AFL Power Rankings tries to paint a clearer picture of where each team "is at" heading into the crucial run home.
This round's big mover is not a team which has risen up the rankings; rather, after a poor five-game patch in which they have won just one, it's the Western Bulldogs who take a big hit to fall out of the rankings' top eight.
Up the top, the GWS Giants remains the competition's front-runners, though Adelaide is ready to pounce if the Giants have another shock loss, while the Cats have fallen out of the top two after their disappointing performance in the west on Thursday night.
Melbourne is beginning to make its move in 2017 - scarily without Gawn and Hogan, while you could throw a blanket over the sides ranked eighth through fourteenth considering Sydney's red-hot form, Collingwood's soft immediate fixture and the promising signs coming from Princes Park (which will no doubt have Richmond fans a little sweaty in the palms...).
The Lions remain the Power Rankings' anchor, but have taken strides in the last few weeks... another win (and another Hawthorn loss) and they might jump up a spot at the expense of the Hawks, who (just to rub it in) are without a first-round draft pick to look forward to in November...
1. Greater Western Sydney:
Last week: 1 (no change)
Round 13: BYE
The Greater Western Sydney Giants come off their bye week just percentage away from top spot and a game clear of third on the ladder, and there's no doubt the coaching staff would have told the players to relax and recharge ahead of a cut-throat second half of the year. The Giants' run home begins with what should be an easy four points against the Lions in Brisbane. If they can post a big win, they could close the percentage gap between themselves and the Crows - and widen the percentage gap between themselves and chasing sides such as Geelong, Melbourne and Richmond.
Next: Brisbane (Gabba, Saturday 4:35pm local)
2. Adelaide:
Last week: 3 (up 1)
Round 13: BYE
You can't ask much more of Adelaide - a side which, like GWS, is coming off its bye. The Crows sit atop the ladder with league-leading percentage, but questions which remain about their ability to win with pressure on their stars. As a result, they occupy second spot this week in the Power Rankings. They're likely to notch their 10th win of the year when Hawthorn comes to town on Thursday - it could be a blowout, and one which would help their cause in hunting a top-two finish and a home final in the first week.
Next: Hawthorn (Adelaide Oval, Thursday 7:20pm local)
3. Geelong:
Last week: 2 (down 1)
Round 13: lost to West Coast by 13 points
It's an amazing stat which has had a lot of airtime since Geelong's Thursday night loss to West Coast, but the Cats have lost their last seven matches coming off a bye. Not that it should be used as an excuse, but it's hard not to feel disappointed in Geelong's effort on Thursday. After having won three straight at Simonds Stadium in the lead-up, the Cats went to Perth with a point to prove about their top four bona fides. Beating a finals contender on the road would have garnered much more respect from the footy media, but a 13-point loss (a margin which flattered the Cats' performance) is a let-down whichever way you look at it.
Next: Fremantle (Simonds Stadium, Sunday 1:10pm)
4. Melbourne:
Last week: 7 (up 3)
Round 13: defeated Western Bulldogs by 57 points
Yep, it's Melbourne which takes fourth spot on the Power Rankings this week... the very same Melbourne which hasn't tasted September footy since 2006. It's been a long time, but finally there's a sense that something special is brewing with the Dees. Their performance at the weekend would have had fans salivating, and as a result, they're now knocking on the door of the top four on the AFL ladder. They play a great brand of footy with exciting kids such as Petracca, Hunt and Oliver all now becoming regular contributors, and with big ruckman Max Gawn expected to slot back into the side this week - and Jesse Hogan after that - there's light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.
Next: West Coast (Domain Stadium, Saturday 5:40pm local)
5. Port Adelaide:
Last week: 6 (up 1)
Round 13: defeated Brisbane by 40 points
Port Adelaide are back to their winning ways, so they rise up the rankings this week, but the fact remains that they are yet to beat a side of real substance. Sure, beating the Brisbane Lions at home by 40 points is a good result, but so is kicking a goal from ten metres out directly in front - it's nothing special. The Power have challenging month of footy ahead, with this week's fixture (Collingwood at the MCG) a match of particular interest. Following that, Port hosts Richmond and then travels to Perth to play a West Coast side who are comfortable at home. To say this is a season-defining month would be an understatement.
Next: Collingwood (MCG, Saturday 1:45pm local)
6. Richmond:
Last week: 5 (down 1)
Round 13: lost to Sydney by 9 points
Richmond gets six goals up in the second quarter, so it's time to relax, kick back and enjoy the victory, right? Wrong... this side officially has a problem which, in effect, has prevented it from sitting at 10-2 or 9-3 on the year. In blowing a 36-point lead at home to the Swans on the weekend, the Tigers sit just one win above four teams which are 6-6, meaning a loss this weekend could see them fall out of the eight on the ladder. And don't look now, Tiger fans, because all the pressure is on your mob this week in their match against Carlton - a team which has closed out two tight matches in the last two weeks. Imagine the social media meltdowns if Richmond manages to lose on Sunday...
Next: Carlton (MCG, Sunday 3:20pm local)
7. West Coast Eagles:
Last week: 9 (up 2)
Round 13: defeated Geelong by 13 points
After a poor month which culminated in three straight losses, the Eagles recorded a good win over a good side... at home. It may seem harsh but there's a feeling that West Coast would not have won that match at any other stadium in the country, hence they only just scrape into the rankings' top eight for this week. It's been a well-publicised point, but the West Coast which plays in Perth is a serious threat to the competition, but the West Coast which plays elsewhere barely gives a yelp. Watch the Eagles rise up the ladder over the next few weeks considering they play three of the next four in Perth. Bookmark it now, but they will fall away again not long after.
Next: Melbourne (Domain Stadium, Saturday 5:40pm local)
8. Essendon:
Last week: 8 (no change)
Round 13: BYE
Another side which had its bye week over the weekend is Essendon. The Bombers sit at 6-6 - just inside the top eight of the Power Rankings and the ladder, but face a huge test this week in the Swans at the SCG. Under the Friday night lights, the Bombers can give their finals prospects a massive boost, but lose, and the chasing pack will pounce. Depending on how the other results fall, the Bombers could find themselves as high as sixth with a win or as low as 13th (though it's unlikely Fremantle will beat Geelong) with a loss. Friday night footy is one to watch this week, that's for sure.
Next: Sydney (SCG, Friday 7:50pm local)
9. Western Bulldogs:
Last week: 4 (down 5)
Round 13: lost to Melbourne by 57 points
It's now official: the Dogs are suffering what is known as a "delayed premiership hangover". After a solid start to their flag defence, the alarm bells are now well and truly ringing at the Whitten Oval. Last week, this column said a Bulldogs loss would bring with it a hefty fall down the rankings. Well, they not only lost, but they were smashed by the Dees at Etihad Stadium, meaning they've lost by 46 and 57 points in the last two weeks. And with rumours circulating about some angst amongst teammates, it's not just the on-field performances which are suffering...
Next: North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium, Saturday 7:25pm local)
10. Sydney:
Last week: 10 (no change)
Round 13: defeated Richmond by 9 points
The Swans remain steady in the rankings despite their team-lifting win, but boy, it's starting to look like they might be able to do it. By 'do it', we mean make finals, as they Swans are just a win and percentage out of the eight after unexpectedly starting the season 0-6. Looking exclusively between Round 6 and Round 13, the Swans are the league's best side at 5-2 with losses to only Carlton and Hawthorn in that time. If they beat the Bombers, the Swans' surge up the rankings will continue, as spots as high as sixth are currently up for grabs.
Next: Essendon (SCG, Friday 7:50pm local)
11. St Kilda:
Last week: 11 (no change)
Round 13: defeated North Melbourne by 17 points
If you're to describe St Kilda in three words at the halfway point of the season, you wouldn't be far off in saying they're "in the hunt". While the Saints haven't set the world on fire (aside from maybe their win over the Giants), they're 6-6 and a few percentage points behind the eighth-placed Bombers. Their win over North Melbourne was uninspiring to say the least, but it keeps them in touch. Disappointingly for the Saints, preseason comparisons pitted the rebuilds of St Kilda and Melbourne against one another, and it's now evident that Melbourne is far ahead of the Saints on paper and in practice. But as 2017 continues to do its very best to surprise, we may yet see the Saints make a late charge to the finals.
Next: Gold Coast (Etihad Stadium, Sunday 4:40pm local)
12. Fremantle:
Last week: 12 (no change)
Round 13: BYE
After what can only be described as a horror outing against the Lions in Round 12, the bye came at the right time for Freo. There's no doubt coach Ross Lyon has asked his troops to reset ahead of the second half of the year, but this week's matchup (Geelong at Simonds Stadium) is a daunting task. Having said that, they've won two of the last three at the Cattery - including that qualifying final in 2013 - with the one loss coming by just two points.
Next: Geelong (Simonds Stadium, Sunday 1:10pm local)
13. Collingwood:
Last week: 13 (no change)
Round 13: BYE
Alright, Collingwood, it's time to get serious. In almost any other year, heading into the second half of the season sitting 13th on the ladder would mean it is "season over", but in 2017 we know that's just not true. The Pies have five wins and seven losses on the year to date, but are just one game and a couple of percentage points out of the eight. If they can secure the four points against the Power at the 'G this week, and then take care of the dismally disappointing Hawks in Round 15... at 7-7, 2017 is 'game on'.
Next: Port Adelaide (MCG, Saturday 1:45pm local)
14. Carlton:
Last week: 16 (up 2)
Round 13: defeated Gold Coast by 10 points
In the lead-up to their match against the Suns, many wondered whether or not the Blues would be able to back up their stirring win over GWS. Coming off a six-day break and having to travel interstate, the Blues were rank outsiders, but ended up controlling the contest for 90% of the time to secure another impressive victory. Bryce Gibbs showed the Crows why they undervalued his trade worth, while the young kids were all prominent. It's hard not to be impressed by this young unit and its coach, because, whether you like the Blues or not, they're maturing before our very eyes. Carlton's recent form is even enough to make Richmond supporters nervous this week...
Next: Richmond (MCG, Sunday 3:20pm local)
15. Gold Coast Suns:
Last week: 14 (down 1)
Round 13: lost to Carlton by 10 points
You could say it was almost typical of Gold Coast to lose to Carlton at the weekend. Against a young team coming off an emotional, hard-fought win and a six-day break, they really should have banked the points at home. In the end, the Suns were lucky to escape with a 10-point loss. The Blues dominated every stat line... disposals, clearances, contested possessions and tackles were all in the negative for Gold Coast, while those in the midfield really struggled to get into the game when Gary Ablett was tagged out of the contest.
Next: St Kilda (Etihad Stadium, Sunday 4:40pm local)
16. North Melbourne:
Last week: 15 (down 1)
Round 13: lost to St Kilda by 17 points
It's as if fans of both North Melbourne and St Kilda were shown the result of Friday night's match ahead of time, because the crowd figure certainly summed up the quality of the game. Both sides were wasteful in front of goal, but St Kilda's 29 scoring shots (to North's 22) really should have resulted in an easier win for the Saints. North's deficiencies are obvious; there's not a lot of speed through the middle, while the midfield depth falls away quite quickly. Of course, a Dustin Martin or Josh Kelly type would help enormously, but if either of those blokes watched the match on Friday night, they'd be forgiven for wanting to stay put.
Next: Western Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium, Saturday 7:25pm local)
17. Hawthorn:
Last week: 17 (no change)
Round 13: BYE
Well, a week off is better than a loss! Hawthorn are ranked 17th in both the ESPN AFL Power Rankings and on the actual AFL ladder, but they're unlikely to move from that position anytime soon, considering they have to play Adelaide (in Adelaide) on Thursday night. It doesn't get much easier after that, with matches against Collingwood at the 'G and GWS at Spotless to follow in the coming weeks. If only they hadn't traded that first round draft pick to the Saints...
Next: Adelaide (Adelaide Oval, Thursday 7:20pm local)
18. Brisbane:
Last week: 18 (no change)
Round 13: lost to Port Adelaide by 40 points
Considering what Port Adelaide has done to other teams at Adelaide Oval this year, a 40-point loss isn't disgraceful for a young Brisbane outfit. In fact, the Lions were probably in the game for better part of three quarters, and managed to hit the scoreboard in doing so - something which they've struggled to do at times this year. There are promising signs for this young side (and we've touched on them before...); Eric Hipwood is going to be a star, and in three years' time - when partnered with Josh Schache - that forward line is going to be a handful and a half.
Next: GWS (Gabba, Saturday 4:35pm local)