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.
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse admits the Blues still need a lot of hard work after a scrappy AFL win over Port Adelaide.
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has taken heart from the way his players fought through injury setbacks despite losing their match against St Kilda.
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| 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 |