This round, book ended by two blowouts gave a real insight into the fortunes of certain teams. Fremantle suffered greatly at the hands of Hawthorn, surrendering the lead on this ladder. Sydney finally got a win and stopped their free-fall, while Gold Coast moved higher than ever before. Carlton, Richmond and Adelaide had bad losses and must now have a look at where they are at, while St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney all had enjoyable weekends.

Team of the week: Both categories were a toss up between teams from the same match. Hawthorn’s sheer impressiveness on the face of Fremantle was something to behold on Friday night, and will have frightened the rest of the competition.

Weak teem of the week: While Carlton made a considerable late challenge, this one belongs to Fremantle. It is hard to think of a more deflating performance from a side than the Dockers on Friday night. They came into the match looking untouchable and came out of it looking beat up.

1. (Last week – 2) Hawthorn Hawks – 3-0

The Hawks were simply scary on Friday night. It was impossible to find a fault in their performance, taking apart the leagues’ best defence. Things were easy, really easy, for Hawthorn going forward and everything fell into place. The Hawks weren’t number one on this ladder last week, but it looks like they can almost be penciled in to be number one for the rest of the season. The only possible downside could be that Hawthorn is playing too well at this stage of the year, assuming of course they can’t get even better.

2. (1) Fremantle Dockers – 2-1

Last week this column wrote that there would be a clear leader in the competition after Friday night. And there is. And it isn’t Fremantle. Things couldn’t have gone much worse for Fremantle. As good as the Hawks were, the Dockers were worse. Their lauded defence was non-existent, and when a defensive side doesn’t show up defensively, things get ugly. Matthew Pavlich was in familiar territory as the only Docker standing up, and will need more mates when the Dockers host the Bombers on Sunday.

3. (3) Geelong Cats – 3-0

Coach Chris Scott wasn’t happy with his side’s performance, but the Cats are now three and zero. Geelong got there by outlasting Collingwood, thanks to a big final term from Tom Hawkins. The big forward reminded Pies fans of past horrors, kicking four goals, including three in the final term. Geelong were the better side on the night on Saturday, winning just about every statistic, but some poor errors allowed Collingwood to stay in the contest. The Cats will be pleased with wins early in the season though, as they shape as a top four prospect once again.

4. (4) Essendon Bombers – 2-1

It is hard to pinpoint whether Essendon was great on Sunday, or Carlton was bad. Probably a bit of both, and the Carlton aspect will be discussed below. The Bombers were made to look exceptional though, and looked a real force going forward. With Jason Winderlich back in the side (and kicking four goals) alongside Paul Chapman (who also kicked four) the Essendon forward line suddenly looks a lot more dangerous. As usual things started in the centre for the Bombers, where Dyson Heppell and Heath Hocking were outstanding, while Jackson Merret had a breakout game, collecting 35 possessions. The Bombers will be pleased they had a big win without an outstanding contribution from Jobe Watson, something that should help them in the long term.

5. (6) West Coast Eagles – 3-0

West Coast moves to first on the official ladder this week, but it is thanks to an unconvincing victory over St Kilda. The Eagles ran away in the final quarter over the Saints, but struggled to get on top early and were down by a couple of goals midway through the third term. Veteran Dean Cox starred in a game where he equalled the club record for games played, while Matt Priddis was typically tough in collecting 15 contested possessions. The Eagles have had three wins against lowly sides to begin the year, and they get their first real test on Saturday night, traveling to play the Cats.

6. (5) Port Adelaide Power – 2-1

The Power will acknowledge that they let one slip on Sunday. The Power are usually the ones running other teams down in the final quarter, but in this one they were mowed down. Hamish Hartlett was the best for Port, using his exceptional kicking skills to good effect, except for this final-quarter blunder. Port made too many mistakes in the final term to win, something they can’t afford to do if they want to play finals.

7. (7) Sydney Swans – 1-2

The Swans finally got themselves going in what turned out to be a smashing of the Crows on Saturday. While talk will centre on Lance Franklin finding form, John Longmire was right to say that “the other 21” were good too. Luke Parker continues to rise as an impressive player, kicking four goals to go with 26 possessions and Sydney will be happy to have Kieren Jack back in form. The Swans dealt with the Crows in part via a strong final quarter, stark contrast to their final quarters in the first two rounds.

8. (8) North Melbourne Kangaroos – 2-1

A second-half fightback from North was good enough to see it grab a victory over Port Adelaide on Sunday. After trailing and looking almost out of it in the third quarter, the Roos found form and managed to get back in the game. Brent Harvey was typically everywhere, kicking three goals, while Ben Cunnington had a stellar game. For the first time this season North looked like a finals side on that second half, and will hope to continue that form against Sydney.

9. (9) Collingwood Magpies – 1-2

Despite the best efforts of Jamie Elliot, Collingwood just couldn’t get past Geelong on Saturday night. The Pies continued to struggle up forward, with Elliot the only forward who looked dangerous. With Travis Cloke struggling to get his hands on the ball and Jesse White struggling full stop, Collingwood relied on Elliot, which was successful. Collingwood’s midfield remains top class but at either end of the field there are some concerns. It may only be round four, but the Collingwood-Richmond game on Friday night already looms as a must-win.

10. (12) Gold Coast Suns – 2-1

Another star performance from Gary Ablett saw the Suns get a comfortable win in the Q-Clash on Saturday. Ablett’s 38 possessions, three goals and ten tackles were outstanding, but he recieved solid support from Dion Prestia. Prestia has developed into a genuine star of the AFL, and continues to be a dangerous on-baller. The Suns will also be pleased by Sam Day’s four goals, providing the target they have long needed at full-forward. Gold Coast has officially cemented itself as the best team in Queensland, and suddenly ambitions to play finals football don’t seem far fetched.

11. (10) Richmond Tigers – 1-2

Things have to get worrying for Tiger fans now. Three unconvincing matches into 2014 and it is really unclear where they stand. Richmond were beaten by the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, and at one stage it looked like they were being simply outclassed. Skipper Trent Cotchin stood up and Jack Riewoldt dragged the Tigers back in the match, but they continue to carry too many passengers week in week out. For now at least, it looks as though Richmond are no longer a top eight side.

12. (11) Adelaide Crows – 0-3

Like many others this week, Adelaide will be questioning where they are at. The Crows fell to the Swans on Saturday thanks to some poor kicking and a lack of winners across the ground. The Crows kicked 1.10 through the closing stages of the third quarter and the fourth and that simply isn’t good enough. Adelaide desperately need to get their season on track and they have their chance when they face St Kilda in round four.

13. (14) St Kilda Saints – 2-1

Half-way through the third quarter it looked like the Saints were on their way to an unexpected third win. Unfortunately for them they couldn’t hold off a fast finishing West Coast, but St Kilda fans will be warmed by the spirit of their side. Once again Luke Dunstan was outstanding for the Saints, collecting 29 possessions and using the ball at a terrific 82.8% efficiency. Alongside Dunstan, Nick Riewoldt continued his stunning form and Leigh Montagna was his usual self. St Kilda has exceeded expectations so far in 2014, and will hope to continue to do so when they host a win-less Adelaide.

14. (13) Carlton Blues – 0-3

Following the match on Sunday, Mick Malthouse described it as “embarrassing for our football club”, and it is hard to argue. Carlton looked completely outclassed and were beaten everywhere on the field. The sheer lack of skills and defensive pressure from the Blues was extraordinary and it is becoming clearer that the direction of the club is a real concern. If Carlton are to make any sort of impression on this season they will have to turn things around very quickly. They will start when they meet Melbourne on Saturday.

15. (16) Greater Western Sydney – 2-1

In what was probably the least attractive game of the season, GWS got their second win on Sunday. Led by the hard head of Adam Treloar, the Giants showed greater toughness than the Demons, eventually running away with the game. Shane Mumford’s 60 hit-outs were extraordinary and he continues to shape as the recruit of the year. The Giants now have their second win in three rounds, amazing since they went 21 games without a win through 2012-13. GWS will now focus on getting win number three when they host the Western Bulldogs this Saturday night.

16. (17) Western Bulldogs – 1-2

Thanks to some vintage Daniel Giansiracusa magic, the Dogs got over the line in a thriller on Saturday. After skipping out to a large lead by half-time, the Western Bulldogs let Richmond back in the game. The composure shown by Giansiracusa was terrific, kicking two goals to win the match. Jack Macrae was terrific for the Dogs, collecting 30 touches, while Matthew Boyd was his typical self around the midfield. Bulldog fans will be extremely proud with their win this week, and rightly so.

17. (15) Brisbane Lions – 0-3

Justin Leppitsch singled out Saturday’s loss as the Lions’ “worst game”, and with good reason. Brisbane were simply uncompetitive in a game it had a real chance to win. Tom Rockliff was, along with Marco Paparone the only Lion to fly the flag in their loss to the Suns. Rockliff had 35 possessions and three goals, holding up the Brisbane midfield almost single-handedly. With Daniel Rich going down to a knee injury, things got even worse in the Lions engine room. Brisbane remains without a victory, and it won’t have an easy chance this week when they travel to play Port Adelaide.

18. (18) Melbourne Demons – 0-3

After James Frawley got the Demons within one point of the Giants at the start of the final quarter, the Demons exited the contest and were beaten resoundingly. Nathan Jones was the shining light for Melbourne for about the 80th match in a row, while Dom Tyson played a strong hand. The Demons continue to disappoint, and after looking at two or three wins from their first four matches, it is hard to see where they are going to win all season.