I’m nervous seeing Perth favoured as a finals team - the last time that happened was 2021, when we had a crippling injury run and finished second last.
Most people (partisan optimism aside) seem to have a clear idea on the top 5 and bottom, and I would agree with that. I would divide it further: I think SF and EP are a clear top 2, C, P and Peel will round out the 5 (Peel of course depending on the health of the Dockers.) I think EF and S will be the best of the rest, and it is hard to be too hopeful for WCER, WP and SD. I couldn’t care less about WCER and WP, but it would be sad to see another bad year from SD. No one likes seeing a team struggle for an extended time and no one understands that better than a P fan. So my ladder:
While 3 good wins for Subi in the scratchies is not always a solid indicator of what will happen in the real thing, it’s a hell of a lot better than last years pre-season, so here’s my guestimate.
1 EP 2 Peel 3 SF 4 Pth 5 Su 6 CL 7 EF 8 SD 9 Joondy 10 WCER
As Schoey said in a recent interview, he expects 26 to one of the tightest comps in many years, lets hope so.
Will be interesting to compare at the half season point.
So much depends on keeping your best 22/23 on the paddock, especially for Peel & WCER. If Freo start copping injuries then Peel will suffer bigtime (boohoo), If Freo stay fit then Peel are right in the mix for top3.
Punters might want to take Peelmantles odds with the bookies after a 93 point thumping of the toasters today at Lathlain. Thunder at $19 on TabTouch WCE at $15. Lol
Danger I don’t think Swans are that bad that they will win the wooden spoon although that may be what it takes to get some change happening in the football department
I can think of another side or 2 that could be in the running for that spoon TBH. Depth will be the key as always to what eventuates in 2026…..very few sides ever field their best side…..usually it’s whoever has majority of the core best available the most, go the distance.
Subi will hit ground running and win early games. Can’t see PT finishing outside the top 3. EP would have to be favourites and I expect CL and SF to be thereabouts. My team need luck with injuries and there’s already a doubt about a key player.
Swans are missing Chalcraft, Pasini and Collins for an unspecified period not to mention others that have yet to play, or have played very minimal game time thus far.
Sadly for Pasini he has never been able to get on the park since getting drafted by Port….also didn’t Collins have injuries at WCE? It’s amazing how many players come out of the AFL as injury crocks…..and not even in their mid 20’s…..hopefully Trew gets a decent run this year….
