Mar 17th 2008
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Three days until the season kicks off. You beauty! In some ways March is more exciting than September* (especially if you support Richmond) - everything is new, the slate is clean, the year ahead full of hope. In honour of a new season being upon us I thought I’d give you my five-minute 2008 AFL season preview. You’re welcome.
Who’s on the Slide in 2008:
Richmond - still look weak in most positions, still too reliant on a couple of big names (Richo, J.Bowden), still look susceptible to injury. Can’t see where their improvement is coming from. Hello priority pick.
Swans - Big Spida is a concern, as is the lose of Malceski. Again their big names do not get any younger in Hall, O’Loughlin, Kirk. Won’t totally fall away, but question marks on the next generation.
Kangaroos - Stellar year in 07 but I don’t know if they can repeat it. It is customary to write the Roos off, so why divert from tradition. Will they return to the top 4 this season? I can’t see it.
Bulldogs - Cracks appeared at Whitten Oval in 07 and I think their are still some areas of concern defensively for the Dogs. Also their top shelf players are also their oldest (West, Johnson) - not a great sign.
Melbourne - Year one in the Bailey era could be a long one. The main news coming from the Dees seems to revolve around speeding, burnouts and drinking. This was a solid list in 2005, in 2008 it’s gone backwards.
Who’s Holding Steady in 2008:
West Coast Eagles - I don’t see any major collapse in our team in 08. Most of 07 was played without Judd & Cousins and with a revised game plan and some exciting new talent I see us challenging again in 08.
Geelong - still look pretty solid don’t they? Defensively and through the middle are very strong and also have a well balanced attack. With less depth, injuries are looming as their biggest hurdle.
Collingwood - Mick reinvented himself last season and shook it up with some exciting rookies. The Pies responded and the Pies will likely be competitive again as the youngsters take more responsibility in the post-Buckley era.
Port Adelaide - Surprised many in 07 and over achieved in making the GF. Made a great start to the season and rode the momentum and built self-belief along the way. Will be top 8 again, but look out if injuries strike their big names.
Adelaide - After outstanding regular seasons in 2005 and 2006, the Crows took a step back in 07 but still made the finals. It’s a each way bet whether the re-invention continues in 08 and the team slides or if the team continues to win more than it loses whilst the faces of the club change.
Fremantle - this is the safe option. It looked as though the Dockers finally overcame their history brokethrough in 2006 only to go backwards in 07. Big names on paper but not convinced that this group can resurrect the hope shown in 06.
Who’s on the Up in 2008:
St Kilda - have got to make the eight, and probably top 4 this season. The list looks well balanced with the new ruck division and runners from the Swans, and is also starting to look fit for a change.
Hawthorn - were not far off a top 4 spot last season and I suspect them to be there abouts again. You just sense that Clarkson is still tinkering with this team, trying to get all the pieces (and there are some beauties) to fit together.
Brisbane - Jonathan Brown came of age in 07 and with some the Brisbane youngsters gaining in confidence, you can see the glimpses the Lions showed last season increasing this season.
Essendon - horrible years the last two seasons. A new coach and new energy has returned to Windy Hill. I don’t predict anything huge - but they will improve and notch some impressive wins in 08. How they manage the dominant characters of Fletcher, Lloyd and Lucas at the ends of their careers will be the interesting issue I think.
Carlton - Don’t get me wrong I am not expecting big things from the new Carlton. They won’t make the 8, but gee they’d be hard pressed to do worse than last season. With no priority pick in view, they’ve GOT to improve.
* Almost, but in truth nothing beats September footy.
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