The AFL ladder is not the only way to assess how each team is going. Here are my rankings for the week (brackets is the movement from the previous week):
1. Collingwood (+1) - Might have only beaten West Coast, but it was the way they did it that got them this week's No.1 ranking. All of their good players played well and is it just me or do they look a better team when Rocca is not blocking the space for the likes of Medhurst and Cloke?
2. Sydney (+1) - Is there a more in-form ruckman in the competition than Darren Jolly? I don't think so. Swans are playing good footy, but can they keep it up for the rest of the season and during the finals? Will need to back up their good performances with another on the big ground this week at Subi.
3. Western Bulldogs (+2) - They got the Hawks at the right time but full credit to the Doggies for another excellent performance. I love watching Ryan Griffen play. If he stays fit, the Dogs can challenge deep into September.
4. Hawthorn (-3) - Hawthorn needs Hodge and Crawford back and quickly. Too many of their youngsters have been exposed and they need a couple of big bodies back. Nine goals from Roughead and Buddy shows they are still dangerous.
5. Geelong (-1) - Beat Carlton like they should have and good to see Ottens back and firing. They missed Chapman and Mooney from their team on Saturday, but the thing I liked most was Travis Varcoe's mo. We need more moustaches in AFL football.
6. Brisbane (+2) - Need to take a big scalp before they can be considered a chance for a top four finish. Still they are playing well and never gave North a chance on Saturday.
7. Adelaide (-1) - Fell over the line against Essendon and now they have lost the Birdman for two weeks. I am sorry but Nick Gill is not an adequate replacement. They are battling at the minute, but they are still in fourth place on the ladder. Seventh on the more important power rankings though.
8. North Melbourne (-1) - Never likely against the Lions and will be hoping Thommo's knee injury is not serious. For the Roos to challenge deep into September they need Harvey at his best or need to find another player or two. This does not include Sam Power.
9. Carlton (-) - Jarrad Waite is probably the most important player in the Blues line-up. They never challenged seriously against the Cats and can't afford to have any injuries. Talking about injuries, any chance Andrew Walker might play this season?
10. St Kilda (+2) - Did the job against the Dees, but most teams can so no huge surprise there. Good to see Ball back to his best form and hopefully it may re-ignite the Hodge, Judd, Ball debate once more. McEvoy's debut is still a while away due to the Saints' big win.
11. Port Adelaide (-) - Tough to pick the Power, but when David Rodan fires his team usually wins. Rodan plays two or three very good games for the season and, unfortunately for Freo, Sunday was one of them. Talking about good seasons surely this is Daniel Motlop's best? Port needs to keep winning.
12. Richmond (-2)