I always have trouble predicting ladders at this time of year because there are always so many variables in the season (injuries etc). After having a look at all the teams ins and outs , I have divided the competition into 3 groups
1 - 6 - these are the six teams in my opinion most likely to make the top 4 and challenge for the flag. Teams in this group are
Richmond
Adelaide
GWS
Bulldogs
Geelong
Sydney
7- 12
These teams are likely to challenge strongly for finals and if any of them get on a run, they could make the top 4.
Melbourne
West Coast
St Kilda
Port Adelaide
Hawthorn
Essendon 13 -18
These teams are either still developing their lists or have bottomed out and need rebuilding. I think it is unlikely that any of these teams will make finals but certainly not writing them off
Collingwood
Fremantle
Brisbane
Carlton
Gold Coast
North Melbourne
Too hard for me mike. Will however, predict the Crows to win the flag. The F&B to go toDusty again, but unless Buddy has another breakout year, you could raffle the highest goal kicker.
Being a Freo man I don’t expect the team to make the finals this season but have been impressed with what I have seen from the boys over the preseason.
I think having 13 games at home is a real bonus for the side this year.
Swap Dogs for Port,. Swap Hawks for Blues. Looks good
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Yeah, I was considering putting Port up in the top group given their aggressive recruitment. I think Carlton will be much improved on last year but they will threaten more in 2019.
Brownlow: Josh Kelly (GWS) & Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
Coleman: Joe Daniher (Essendon)
Rising Star: Alex Witherden (Brisbane)
Coach of the Year: Simon Goodwin (Melbourne)
Changing tack, what about Swans for the treble. Flag, Buddy for the goal kicking award and Josh Kennedy for the f&b. More than likely won’t happen, but I like JK for Victoria’s f&b or Swans to win the flag.
Competitive game to open the season. Richmond should have won by more but I was very impressed with Carlton and they way they hung in there. I think they will cause a few upsets this year.
Didn’t think much of Carlton , had every reason to go on with it, but in the end very disappointing, died in the arse big time and it was a flat finish to what should of been a good start to the season.
Fark u are a hard man to please Bazza’…considering the youth in Carlton’s side, thought they were competitive for a long time… pushed the reigning premiers all the way…Kreuser getting injured didn’t…they can’t afford to lose any experience or quality they have… thought Cripps was fantastic and Curnow is a Kouta Mark 2…Fisher looks better, Petrevski Seton will only get better, Garlett looked exciting, Weitering didn’t have the best of days but is talented…sooner they get rid of that big log up forward and find another tall to help Curnow they will push u the ladder…Dusty always exciting to watch but gee he gets away with a lot…face palms, 20 steps between bouncing etc. …
Swap Dogs for Port,. Swap Hawks for Blues. Looks good
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Yeah, I was considering putting Port up in the top group given their aggressive recruitment. I think Carlton will be much improved on last year but they will threaten more in 2019.
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