Western Bulldogs

Nothing excites me about the Bulldogs I’m sad to say. Rodney Eade is an experienced coach but can this old dog learn new tricks? They lack big men that can have an impact. Everitt will be exciting in years to come but we can’t expect him to step up dramatically this year. Players like Cooney, Ray have something prove. It is their turn to show leadership after a few seasons of AFL under the belt they have no excuses not being able to cope with the pressure. Cooney can be a game breaker, but I have first hand witnessed his nerves get the better of him on game day. Congratulations to Brad Johnson who will reach 300 games in round 1. He can kick a bag of goals and players like him and Rohan Smith used to get me excited about the bullys, but who since then has stepped up to the plate?

Western Bulldogs predicted finish 9th

St Kilda

Ross Lyon seems to have what it takes as an A.F.L coach. His demeanor of being cool, calm and collected could rub off on a young talented team that often feels the pressure from their fanatical supporters’ base. Players like Riewoldt, Dal Santo, Montagna are still young but show that they have mature heads on their shoulders. Having big Fraser Gehrig up forward adds to their much needed experience and he could still be a 40-50 goal forward. The addition of Adam Schneider might help complement Steven Milne’s game and add some firepower up front. The most exciting prospect for St. Kilda is the talented ruck duo of Michael Gardiner and Steven King. These ‘experienced’ rookies still have a lot to offer the game.

I am Predicting a finish no worse than 6th.

Hawthorn

Alistair Clarkson has turned this club around with some hard decisions that were made in previous years and now it is starting to show. The Hawks have a great, talented young list that can run all day. Sometimes they lack discipline which when push comes to shove can cost you a game. Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin showed in last year’s final series that he can tear a game to shreds and his impact as a big man is reminiscent of Wayne Carey’s dominance in that very position. The only thing that bothers me is the young Hawks’ decision making in pressure situations.

Predicted finish 5th

Port Adelaide

The problem with Port is their arrogance. Mark ‘Choco’ Williams suffers from this disease and it seems to be catching at the club. His comments before last year’s G.F were not tactics, he believed what he was saying. And had to eat a big slice of a pie named humble after their humiliating defeat. You have to play the game before you can win it. The Power are at their best when they do just that. The Cornes, Burgoyne brothers plus with Tredrea can lead a side that has a top ruckman in Lade and plenty of good youngsters ( Boak, Westhoff ).

Predicted finish 4th.

Sydney

Geez Sydney bore me…defensive, low scoring, a game full of stoppages but geez they win games. Paul Roos has a system and with his patient approach, the team adheres to it. I’m expecting big things from Barry Hall after a terrible, terrible finals series. Tadhg Kennelly could also be rejuvenated this season after rekindling the hunger to play again.

Predicted finish 7th

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