Six rounds into the 2021 AFL season and just two clubs hold their position from last week's ESPN's Power Rankings as three clear groupings emerge - a top three, the next three, and then the rest. Does that mean we have just six contenders for season 2021? It might be so...
Note: Throughout the year, ESPN will rank all 18 teams, from top to bottom, taking into account which teams are playing the best footy, injuries, each team's recent opponents, and which teams are looking most like flag contenders.
Previous rankings: Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6
1. Melbourne
2021 record: 6-0
Previous ranking: 2
We have a new leader! The Dees beat the Tigers -- convincingly -- and for us, that's enough to give them a little boost over the Dogs. The Demons are fantastic to watch right now, have leadership on every line and are playing a brand of football which suits their strengths. What does the addition of Ben Brown do to this team? We're excited to find out!
This week's opponent: North Melbourne (Blundstone Arena)
2. Western Bulldogs
2021 record: 6-0
Previous ranking: 1
It's stiff when an undefeated side drops a spot on the Power Rankings, but the Dees have been irresistible of late, and the Dogs' sudden injury list (featuring Tim English, Josh Dunkley and Lin Jong from Friday night's win) means they fall one spot. They're still a clear 'top three' team, so there's nothing to worry about for now.
This week's opponent: Richmond (MCG)
3. Port Adelaide
2021 record: 5-1
Previous ranking: 3
Another strong win for the Power whose only blemish this year has come from West Coast in Perth. They look just as (if not) more threatening than their minor premiership year last season, and they can beat the Lions at the Gabba we'll know they're a bona fide contender when push comes to shove.
This week's opponent: Brisbane (Gabba)
4. Geelong
2021 record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 7
Well, that's one way to bump the percentage. A 97-point win over the Eagles is great tonic for the Cats, who, somehow, find themselves 4-2 with a winnable match against a fellow 4-2 side upcoming in Sydney. Geelong are the form team, and with Jeremy Cameron providing another avenue in attack, they'll be much more fun to watch than in the first month of the year.
This week's opponent: Sydney (SCG)
5. Brisbane
2021 record: 3-3
Previous ranking: 8
The Lions have jumped three places, not really for their expected win over Carlton, but because they're more trustworthy than teams which were above them last week. Having said that, there's a lot on the line this week against the Power, and with no Lachie Neale in the lineup, Brisbane's mids are going to have to step up big time against an experienced Power centreline.
This week's opponent: Port Adelaide (Gabba)
6. Richmond
2021 record: 3-3
Previous ranking: 4
On one hand we've seen Richmond have slow, clunky starts to the year only to come good towards September, but it isn't September. For April, they're clearly an okay side - better than most but a step below the AFL's best right now, and for that reason they won't beat the Bulldogs on Friday night.
This week's opponent: Western Bulldogs (MCG)
7. Sydney
2021 record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 6
Has the bubble burst? Like we predicted, their young players can't maintain their early season form forever and will be patchy at times, and there isn't enough leadership depth to get them through, especially with Dane Rampe and Buddy on the sidelines. We smell a third straight loss coming up.
This week's opponent: Geelong (SCG)
8. West Coast
2021 record: 3-3
Previous ranking: 5
If there was a 'home form power rankings' the Eagles would be number one, but given they've only won at home and have lost their three away games, they're firmly a middle-of-the-road team in the actual rankings. A 97-point loss to a team many thought they'd finish above or close to on the ladder? That ain't right. They're so hard to trust. Having said that, they'll win this week to paper over the cracks...
This week's opponent: Fremantle (Optus Stadium)
9. Fremantle
2021 record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 10
Look at that, a sneaky 4-2 record for the Dockers (even if their latest win came against North). Does that mean they're a top eight side? Can a 35-year-old David Mundy continue to carry them all year? No, probably not, but things change. It'll take a mighty effort to beat the Eagles this week, who have won the last 10 derbies and all five at Optus Stadium.
This week's opponent: West Coast (Optus Stadium)
10. St Kilda
2021 record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 9
Did anyone expect the Saints to pull off a win against the Power? Anyone? Bueller? What that tells us is that St Kilda probably isn't the team many expected in preseason, so lingering around the 9-10 ranking is reflective of the mediocrity they've delivered so far in 2021.
This week's opponent: Hawthorn (Marvel Stadium)
11. Adelaide
2021 record: 3-3
Previous ranking: 12
Rising after a loss - that's pretty rare. They should have won, too, the Crows, who kicked 16.3 and still managed to blow a five-goal lead to the Hawks down in Tasmania. They're probably a bit high at 11, but the form of other teams around them isn't inspiring us so enjoy it while you can, Adelaide fans.
This week's opponent: GWS (Adelaide Oval)
12. Carlton
2021 record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 11
Like the Saints against the power, did anyone really think Carlton would beat the Lions heading into Saturday's game? Probably not. They're headed for another mediocre year, despite assurances from skipper Patrick Cripps on Wednesday that finals was still the aim. If it is, beating the Bombers on Sunday is a must, but on current form, we're almost backing Essendon. Almost.
This week's opponent: Essendon (MCG)
13. Hawthorn
2021 record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 14
There's nothing like a late, come-from-behind win to keep the wolves at bay for another week. The questions that remain are the same - are the 21-24-year-olds good enough to be in their next premiership assault? Are the veterans still going to be around for that assault? They're in no-man's-land right now, but hell, they could just about beat St Kilda this week!
This week's opponent: St Kilda (Marvel Stadium)
14. GWS
2021 record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 13
The Giants fall a spot after their ugly last-quarter performance against the Dogs. Just three points down at the last change, the Giants gave up nine majors in the last term to look well off the pace. In fairness, it probably sums them up - they can keep up for a little bit, but they're not going to match it with the top teams.
This week's opponent: Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
15. Essendon
2021 record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 16
Nothing sweeter than a win against the old enemy on a massive occasion, in front of a record-breaking crowd. The patchwork Bombers are going okay; Darcy Parish is finally being played in the midfield, Two Metre Peter is playing a role, and the defence is holding its own. If they beat the Blues this week, Essendon fans would just about call the season a 'pass'.
This week's opponent: Carlton (MCG)
16. Gold Coast Suns
2021 record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 17
That was a much-needed win over the Swans at home, and the Suns can build on momentum this week with a clash against the Pies scheduled at the MCG this week. Not normally a must-watch fixture, a result which goes against the Pies could have serious ramifications. The best part for Gold Coast? The pressure isn't on them.
This week's opponent: Collingwood (MCG)
17. Collingwood
2021 record: 1-5
Previous ranking: 15
At 1-5, it's just about season over for the Magpies, but newly-minted president Mark Korda says making the eight is still the goal. Is he delusional or just putting unrealistic pressure on coach Nathan Buckley? A loss this week to the Suns would be a disaster but they're good enough to win this at home. Just about must-watch TV.
This week's opponent: Gold Coast (MCG)
18. North Melbourne
2021 record: 0-6
Previous ranking: 18
Valiant against Freo? Kind of. Off the pace? Definitely. Things don't get easier this week when the Demons visit the Roos' second home in Hobart. Ben Brown is also set to make his Melbourne debut, in his home state against his old side. The omens aren't looking good for North, who start 10-goal underdogs in this one.
This week's opponent: Melbourne (Blundstone Arena)