AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says the league is desperate to win back the trust of any disillusioned fans.
St Kilda coach Scott Watters says supporters should keep the faith despite a 40-point loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
Port Adelaide's hot early-season AFL form has given way to a run of three straight defeats, culminating in Sunday's disappointing loss to Carlton.
| Rank | Team | Won | Lost | Points |
| 1 | Hawthorn | 7 | 1 | 28 |
| 2 | Geelong Cats | 7 | 1 | 28 |
| 3 | Essendon | 6 | 2 | 24 |
| 4 | Sydney Swans | 5 | 2 | 22 |
| 5 | Fremantle | 5 | 2 | 22 |
| 6 | Port Adelaide | 5 | 3 | 20 |
| 7 | Richmond | 5 | 3 | 20 |
| 8 | Collingwood | 5 | 3 | 20 |
| 9 | Adelaide Crows | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| 10 | Carlton | 4 | 4 | 16 |