Essendon moved back into the top three with a 13.13 (91) to 9.8 (62) win over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.
Carlton have held out a spirited Brisbane Lions to seal a 13-point AFL win at the Gabba.
Form halfback Mitch Golby appears in doubt after Brisbane Lions vice-captain Tom Rockliff's slip of the tongue ahead of their AFL clash with Carlton.
| Rank | Team | Won | Lost | Points |
| 1 | Geelong Cats | 8 | 1 | 32 |
| 2 | Essendon | 7 | 2 | 28 |
| 3 | Hawthorn | 7 | 1 | 28 |
| 4 | Sydney Swans | 6 | 2 | 26 |
| 5 | Fremantle | 5 | 2 | 22 |
| 6 | West Coast Eagles | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 7 | Carlton | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 8 | Port Adelaide | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 9 | Richmond | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 10 | Collingwood | 5 | 4 | 20 |