Standings as at the end of Round 9 – Strategic Shifts and Stellar Performances Define This Week’s AFL Action
| Pos | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | For | Against | % | Stk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney | 12 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 913 | 601 | 151.91 | 5W |
| 2 | Geelong | 20 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 854 | 687 | 124.31 | 2L |
| 3 | Essendon | 16 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 739 | 752 | 98.27 | 2W |
| 4 | Melbourne | 28 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 735 | 607 | 121.09 | 1L |
| 5 | GWS Giants | 12 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 882 | 731 | 120.66 | 2L |
| 6 | Port Adelaide | 28 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 820 | 731 | 112.18 | 1W |
| 7 | Carlton | 18 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 858 | 787 | 109.02 | 1W |
| 8 | Collingwood | 32 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 795 | 736 | 108.02 | 2W |
| 9 | Fremantle | 16 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 695 | 631 | 110.14 | 1L |
| 10 | Gold Coast | 16 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 758 | 718 | 105.57 | 1W |
| 11 | Western Bulldogs | 24 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 862 | 696 | 123.85 | 1W |
| 12 | Adelaide | 20 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 709 | 698 | 101.58 | 1D |
| 13 | Brisbane Lions | 28 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 686 | 684 | 100.29 | 1D |
| 14 | St Kilda | 24 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 667 | 695 | 95.97 | 1L |
| 15 | Hawthorn | 4 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 630 | 822 | 76.64 | 2W |
| 16 | West Coast | 4 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 618 | 868 | 71.2 | 3L |
| 17 | Richmond | 14 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 578 | 881 | 65.61 | 5L |
| 18 | North Melbourne | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 611 | 1085 | 56.31 | 9L |
This past weekend in the AFL showcased not just the tactical acumen but also highlighted several clubs marking their territory as we head deeper into the season. From Essendon’s assertion of dominance to strategic maneuvers by Port Adelaide, here’s a breakdown of the key events from the latest round.
The Emergence of Essendon This week confirmed Essendon’s revival is no fluke. The Bombers showcased a level of football that signals they are a serious threat this season. By strategically positioning Kyle Langford forward and shifting Nic Martin back while pushing Archie Perkins into the midfield, Brad Scott has harnessed a dynamic that has transformed the team. Essendon’s cohesive play, driven by the consistent performance of Zach Merrett in the midfield, has their fans rightfully excited, as they demonstrated an all-in mentality that has not been seen in recent years.
Port Adelaide’s Tactical Mastery At Kardinia Park, a stunned silence took over as Port Adelaide demonstrated a tactical masterstroke against Geelong. The Power exploited a rare vulnerability in the Cats’ setup by accelerating the play and minimizing the time Geelong’s defenders had to organize. This approach disrupted Geelong’s usual rhythm and contributed to Port Adelaide’s early 49-point lead. Despite a resilient comeback by Geelong, Port Adelaide’s initial strategy was a game-changer, proving crucial in their impressive performance on Friday night.
Bulldogs’ Return to Form The Western Bulldogs reminded everyone of their capability when in form. They executed a game plan that was both clean and ruthlessly efficient, contrasting sharply with their recent struggles. Key midfielders like Adam Treloar and Marcus Bontempelli played pivotal roles, setting the tone and tempo, which translated into significant forward line opportunities. This performance against a weakened opponent was a throwback to their best days and raised hopes that they might consistently deliver such displays.
Mental Health Takes Center Stage A somber reminder of the mental health challenges faced by athletes came to the forefront this weekend. The AFL community mourned the tragic loss of Cam McCarthy, which cast a shadow over the games. This incident highlighted the ongoing mental health issues within professional sports and served as a poignant reminder of the pressures associated with life at and away from the sport.
Saints Struggle, Hawks Cling On In a low-scoring affair, St Kilda’s lack of offensive power was evident as they managed only seven goals against Hawthorn, who themselves could only muster one goal in the second half. Despite this, Hawthorn’s grit saw them through for a win, highlighting a newfound resolve under Sam Mitchell’s coaching this year, which contrasts with their previous high-scoring styles.
Suns Set to Challenge Gold Coast Suns capitalized on their form against the Kangaroos with a commanding win, setting the stage for a pivotal clash with Geelong. With the Cats missing key players, the Suns have a golden opportunity to make a significant impact on the standings, especially playing at Marrara Oval, where they have enjoyed considerable success.
