With less than 6 weeks prior to Round 1 teams are putting the finishing touches on another gruelling pre-season, there are a few significant changes to the February Power Rankings.
1. WEST COAST
Previous Rank: 2 ⯅
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 2
Round 1: vs Brisbane (Gabba)
The 2019 Premiers move back into the No.1 position in February, the Eagles will likely have another imposing record at home in 2019 after finishing with a 12-3 record at Optus Stadium last season (Win Pct: 80.0%).
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2. RICHMOND
Previous Rank: 1 ⯆
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 1
Round 1: vs Carlton (MCG)
Richmond slide down one spot this month but remain a strong contender this season, the Tigers conceded 71.5pts in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 2).
3. ADELAIDE
Previous Rank: 5 ⯅
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 12
Round 1: vs Hawthorn (Adelaide Oval)
Adelaide move into the Power Rankings Top 4 for the first time this pre-season, the Crows are boasting a healthy list and have a favourable opening 9 games of the 2019 H&A season.
Power Rankings: January, 2019
4. COLLINGWOOD
Previous Rank: 4 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 3
Round 1: vs Geelong (MCG)
The Magpies have a couple of injury concerns late in the pre-season, with centre clearances so important this season Collingwood can certainly take advantage with their strong midfield.
Injury Update: Jordan DeGoey
5. MELBOURNE
Previous Rank: 3 ⯆
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 5
Round 1: vs Port Adelaide (MCG)
Melbourne have been hit with a few injuries which will likely impact early team selection, the Demons are still in a strong position to compete for a Premiership in 2019.
6. ESSENDON
Previous Rank: 6 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 11
Round 1: vs GWS Giants (Spotless Stadium)
The Bombers will have a new defensive structure this season, they conceded 83.5pts in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 11).
AFL DFS: 2018 Essendon Volume Report
7. GWS GIANTS
Previous Rank: 8 ⯅
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 7
Round 1: vs Essendon (Spotless Stadium)
The Giants appear to be a settled unit just weeks prior to the beginning of the 2019 H&A season, talent depth & current health of the playing list puts them right in the frame again this year.
8. GEELONG
Previous Rank: 7 ⯆
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 8
Round 1: vs Collingwood (MCG)
Geelong did forecast change at the end of the 2018 season, expect a different approach from the Cats in 2019.
9. SYDNEY
Previous Rank: 9 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 6
Round 1: vs Western Bulldogs (Marvel Stadium)
A delayed start to the season for Lance Franklin & Dan Menzel is a possibility, the Swans averaged 82.8pts FOR in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 12).
Injury Update: Sam Naismith
10. BRISBANE
Previous Rank: 11 ⯅
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 15
Round 1: vs West Coast (Gabba)
It has been a smooth transition over the summer period for Brisbane, a more balanced team should be evident in 2019.
11. FREMANTLE
Previous Rank: 10 ⯆
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 14
Round 1: vs Nth Melbourne (Optus Stadium)
Fremantle are short on midfield depth to begin the 2019 season, delayed starts by Stephen Hill & Connor Blakely could expose a young midfield group.
AFL DFS: 2018 Fremantle Volume Report
12. HAWTHORN
Previous Rank: 12 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 4
Round 1: vs Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
Hawthorn will be on the back foot trying to cover the loss of Tom Mitchell this season, extra emphasis is now placed on a healthy 2019 for Jaeger O’Meara.
13. NTH MELBOURNE
Previous Rank: 14 ⯅
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 9
Round 1: vs Fremantle (Optus Stadium)
A more experienced Nth Melbourne will no doubt provide a few upsets again this season, the Kangaroos can certainly challenge for Finals in 2019.
14. WESTERN BULLDOGS
Previous Rank: 13 ⯆
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 13
Round 1: vs Sydney (Marvel Stadium)
Structurally the Bulldogs are a concern in 2019, injuries have already started to impact early games this season.
Injury Update: Lin Jong
15. PORT ADELAIDE
Previous Rank: 15 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 11
Round 1: vs Melbourne (MCG)
Port Adelaide will likely be without a few key players to begin their 2019 campaign, this on the back of losing Wingard & Polec over the trade period could test their depth early.
16. ST KILDA
Previous Rank: 16 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 16
Round 1: vs Gold Coast (Marvel Stadium)
The Saints didn’t go young in the draft which should provide some stability this season, a new assistant coaching panel is also a positive.
AFL Fantasy: Top 10 Draft Average
17. CARLTON
Previous Rank: 17 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 18
Round 1: vs Richmond (MCG)
Injuries are a concern to begin the season at Carlton, their depth will be tested early in the season.
18. GOLD COAST
Previous Rank: 18 ⬌
2018 H&A Ladder Finish: 17
Round 1: vs St Kilda (Marvel Stadium)
Stuart Dew will continue to shape game style & standards this season, they have an elite group of young talent.
Injury Update: Harrison Wigg
