Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
AFL Power Rankings remain topped by Fremantle after the Dockers retained first place heading into a blockbuster clash with Geelong, while Adelaide continues its rise toward premiership contention and questions are emerging around Sydney despite its impressive 12 and 2 record. The latest rankings reflect current form, strength of opposition, and each club’s prospects for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season, making this a crucial period as teams position themselves for finals.
Fremantle enters Round 15 as the competition benchmark with a 12 and 1 record and a percentage of 147.9. The Dockers enjoyed a bye last week but now face arguably their toughest challenge of the season when they host Geelong at Optus Stadium.
A victory over the Cats would further strengthen Fremantle’s status as the premiership favourite and remove one of the few remaining questions surrounding its credentials.
Fremantle and Geelong Set for Massive Test
Geelong climbed into second place in the rankings after a convincing 45 point win over Gold Coast.
The Cats have navigated one of the most demanding fixtures in the competition and continue to impress despite occasional defensive vulnerabilities. Chris Scott’s side has already faced a significant number of fellow contenders and remains firmly in the premiership conversation.
The upcoming clash between Fremantle and Geelong is shaping as one of the most important home and away matches of the season.
A strong performance from either side could influence perceptions of the premiership race heading toward the second half of the year.
Sydney Winning but Not Convincing
Sydney sits third in the rankings despite sharing top spot on the AFL ladder with a 12 and 2 record.
The Swans escaped with a three point win over Port Adelaide last week, continuing a trend of narrow victories against teams outside the competition’s elite.
While winning close games remains a valuable skill, concerns have emerged regarding Sydney’s performances against stronger defensive opponents.
Losses to Geelong and Hawthorn, combined with narrow wins against Collingwood and Port Adelaide, have highlighted areas that may become significant during finals.
The Swans remain one of the competition’s strongest teams but will face increasing scrutiny until they deliver a dominant performance against another genuine contender.
Adelaide's Rise Continues
Few teams are generating more excitement than Adelaide.
The Crows climbed into fifth position following a dominant 57 point victory over the Western Bulldogs and appear capable of mounting a serious challenge for a top four finish.
Captain Jordan Dawson continues to lead from the front and has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for All Australian captaincy honours.
Adelaide's midfield and ruck combination has also become a major strength. Recent performances from Lachie McAndrew have helped the club gain significant control around stoppages, creating opportunities for the Crows' dangerous forward line.
With a favourable run home compared to several rivals, Adelaide is increasingly being viewed as a genuine premiership threat rather than simply a finals hopeful.
Brisbane and Melbourne Face Crucial Period
Brisbane remained sixth despite defeating Richmond by 35 points.
The Lions were not at their best but secured the four points before heading into a bye. Upcoming matches against Sydney and Geelong could prove season defining.
Should Brisbane lose both contests, its hopes of securing a top six finish may become increasingly difficult.
Melbourne, meanwhile, continues one of the more surprising stories of the season.
The Demons have climbed into the AFL top four after defeating Essendon by 45 points and now hold a 9 and 5 record.
While a difficult fixture awaits, Melbourne has banked enough wins to establish itself as a legitimate finals contender.
The challenge now is proving it can remain among the competition’s elite against stronger opposition over the coming weeks.
Bulldogs and Suns Under Pressure
The Western Bulldogs dropped to eighth after suffering a heavy loss to Adelaide.
Despite remaining in the finals mix, concerns persist regarding the club's percentage and overall consistency.
Close wins have kept the Bulldogs in contention, but they need stronger performances against quality opponents to convince critics they can make a meaningful impact in September.
Gold Coast also slipped after a 45 point defeat to Geelong.
The Suns entered the season with significant expectations but now face mounting pressure to secure a finals berth.
With several difficult matches remaining, Gold Coast cannot afford many more setbacks if it hopes to end its finals drought.
Giants and Saints Shape Finals Race
GWS and St Kilda occupy tenth and eleventh positions respectively, with little separating the two clubs.
The Saints strengthened their case with another victory over the Giants, although rankings continue to favour GWS due to its perceived upside and overall talent profile.
Both teams possess the ability to disrupt the finals race.
St Kilda has a favourable run of fixtures ahead, while GWS faces several contenders and could significantly influence the top eight battle through potential upset victories.
Bottom Half Still Fighting
Collingwood, Carlton, Port Adelaide, North Melbourne, West Coast, Richmond and Essendon complete the rankings.
The Magpies remain within striking distance of finals but need to capitalise on a favourable stretch of games.
Carlton has quietly rebuilt momentum and could continue climbing if its recent improvement continues.
North Melbourne remains one of the season’s more encouraging stories after moving above several established clubs on the ladder.
At the other end, Richmond and Essendon continue rebuilding campaigns, with the Bombers remaining under intense scrutiny both on and off the field.
As Round 15 approaches, the AFL Power Rankings show a competition with a clear frontrunner in Fremantle but plenty of movement behind them. Adelaide is rising rapidly, Sydney is facing increasing questions, and the race for finals positions remains wide open.