AIHL Week 12 Power Rankings

James Lane

The standings might have shuffled a bit, but in terms of form and performance, the power rankings hold steady this week. With playoff battles heating up, expect that to change soon. But for now, status quo reigns.

1. Melbourne Ice (Last Week: 1)

The Ice just keep rolling. Another two wins, including a gritty one over the trending Northstars, and Melbourne stays firmly planted at the top. Tyrone Bronte’s hat-trick and Kolton Shindle’s big night underline the frightening depth of this group. There’s simply no argument: they’re still the team to beat.

2. Perth Thunder (Last Week: 2)

The Thunder didn’t take to the ice this weekend but hang on to second for now. Brisbane leapfrogged them on the ladder thanks to their sweep in Adelaide, but in the rankings, there’s no reason to shuffle the order.

3. Brisbane Lightning (Last Week: 3)

Brisbane made the most of their trip south, grabbing two solid wins over Adelaide to keep themselves in the thick of the race for second. Tanner Hopps and Alex Campbell led the way, but their position here holds steady.

4. Newcastle Northstars (Last Week: 4)

The Northstars split the weekend but continue to look like a dangerous wildcard. They pushed the seemingly-untouchable Ice all the way and then took advantage of the Mustangs’ mistakes for a big Sunday win. There’s momentum building in Newcastle, but for now, fourth is where they stay.

5. Melbourne Mustangs (Last Week: 5)

A tough weekend for the Mustangs, with back-to-back losses to the Ice and Northstars. They’ve stumbled slightly, and the chasing pack is closing in. But given the calibre of their opponents, they hold fifth spot for now, though the gap to Canberra is razor-thin.

6. Canberra Brave (Last Week: 6)

A 13-2 demolition job over the Rhinos will do wonders for confidence, and Canberra sit just one win off the top four. But until they string together consistent results against playoff-calibre teams, sixth remains fair.

7. Adelaide Adrenaline (Last Week: 7)

Adelaide showed some early fight against Brisbane but couldn’t sustain it. Their recent resurgence has cooled, and they stay seventh with work to do if they want to climb.

8. Central Coast Rhinos (Last Week: 8)

Another heavy defeat, and the Rhinos remain anchored to the bottom. Defensive frailties continue to haunt them, and there’s no movement from eighth.