The Hard Road To The Premiership

[Gointocarlton]

[quote author=PaulP link=topic=2545.msg144337#msg144337 date=1455414762

So far as I can see, the Bombers are the only team that might be a "guaranteed" basket case this year.
[/quote]Wouldnt be so sure of this. That bunch of scum bags has managed to show enormous resilience in the face of great adversity over the last 3 years, I have envied that aspect of their journey and wish our blokes could do the same when their backs are agains the wall. I know 12 of their best players are out and they have assembled a cross between Dads Army and The Biggest Loser contestants however expect the unexpected with this bunch of prix.

[DJC]

I didn't intend to be a structure, more about personnel and can it improve. Throw those names wherever they are best suited.

I think it does show that we're a key forward short of being a competitive, middle of the ladder team if we have to rely on those who were on our list last season.  The other side of the coin is that we are starting to develop some depth in defence.

[cookie2]

[quote author=PaulP link=topic=2545.msg144337#msg144337 date=1455414762

So far as I can see, the Bombers are the only team that might be a "guaranteed" basket case this year.
Wouldnt be so sure of this. That bunch of scum bags has managed to show enormous resilience in the face of great adversity over the last 3 years, I have envied that aspect of their journey and wish our blokes could do the same when their backs are agains the wall. I know 12 of their best players are out and they have assembled a cross between Dads Army and The Biggest Loser contestants however expect the unexpected with this bunch of prix.

Agree. What we might have here is a band of cut throats out to make as much mayhem in 2016 as they can! They've got nothing to lose really and they're not really playing with any true or legitimate strategic objective in mind.  Could be very dangerous for the unwary!

[PaulP]

Appreciate what GTC and cookie are saying, but there's too many good players out, and too much last minute patching up for Essendon to do much. They might start well, but will fade pretty quickly IMO.

For what it's worth, this is my guess at the way teams will finish this year. I'm tipping Freo EDIT or Hawks for the flag - reckon the penny might've finally dropped for ol Toss. EDIT : on further thought, if the reduced rotations have a big impact, then lean and mean teams like Hawthorn would have an advantage over bigger bodied teams like Freo. Hmmm............

I do wonder whether the reduced rotations will encourage teams to play frenetic 1st and 2nd quarters, to build up a substantial half time lead, in anticipation of running out of steam late in the game ?

1-4
Fremantle
Sydney
Hawthorn
West Coast

5-8 ( in no particular order)
North Melbourne
Collingwood
Western Bulldogs or Geelong
Richmond

9-14 ( in no particular order)
Essendon or Brisbane
Giants
St Kilda
Crows
Port
Western Bulldogs or Geelong

15-18 ( in no particular order)
Melbourne
GC
Carlton
Essendon or Brisbane

[cookie2]

@Paul

I guess if we can show a real strong improvement in our competitiveness and fight games out to the final siren, and at the same time get some good draft picks it would be a good outcome. 

[PaulP]

@Paul

I guess if we can show a real strong improvement in our competitiveness and fight games out to the final siren, and at the same time get some good draft picks it would be a good outcome. 

Yes, and I wonder whether the club is thinking the same.

[Thryleon]

I reckon we are least likely to play four quarters this season over any other in recent history.

Reduced rotations and lots of green players combined with a new game plan...

I think Paul is pretty close with how it will go.

[Professer E]

Geelong wont make the eight, especially if Selwood misses the first part of the year.

[flyboy77]

i reckon we'll surprise a few - even ourselves.

Pretty solid core if up and about fitness wise?

Gibbs, Smurf, Daisy, Special K, Walks, Simmo, Jamo, Everitt, Kerridge, Weitering, Docherty.  Oh and that other spud, Cripps.

Bit of class there, not to mention young Plowman (former #3 draftee), E & C Curnow etc.

I'll say 8 to 12 finish.

[DJC]

i reckon we'll surprise a few - even ourselves.

Pretty solid core if up and about fitness wise?

Gibbs, Smurf, Daisy, Special K, Walks, Simmo, Jamo, Everitt, Kerridge, Weitering, Docherty.  Oh and that other spud, Cripps.

Bit of class there, not to mention young Plowman (former #3 draftee), E & C Curnow etc.

I'll say 8 to 12 finish.

Nice to see some optimism Flyboy

I'm hoping for 8-12 but I suspect 11-14 is more realistic.