Predictions fo rthe 2004 season....

[liz]

Originally posted by Damien
I think at this stage I can only rule out the Bulldogs and Carlton.

I know it's an even year, but I can't see Melbourne doing much either. And North and Geelong could scrape into the finals but I doubt they will be genuine contenders.

[Charlie]

Originally posted by lizz
I know it's an even year, but I can't see Melbourne doing much either. And North and Geelong could scrape into the finals but I doubt they will be genuine contenders.

You've both forgotten the Richmond "we think Simon Fletcher is worth picking up" Tigers...

[dimelb]

1. Swans for the top four and possibly GF.
2. The big dangers to be: Brisbane (they haven't finished yet; Lynch will drop off a bit but Brown will come up just as much), Dockers, Hawthorn and Collingwood.
3. Our big movers will be O'Keefe, Schneider and LRT.
4. We will see the centre strengthened by the new blood.

[gloveski]

I will go out on a limb and say Hawthorn will be the big improvers and finish at least top 4.

For us as long as some more youngsters mature and take the next step I will be happy.

[Charlie]

Hawthorn?

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha!

Only if they discover a hair gel with performance enhancing properties!

[Nico]

Right now most clubs are saying they are fit and raring to go. No different to any other season.

The critical thing is how much each side can and will improve.

Hawthorn has what appears to be the easiest draw in AFL history. Sheedy on radio this morning said he couldn' t believe how easy Hawthorn's draw was.

Daniher reckons they have a lot of young players they are going to promote. Funny about that, given that Dees supporters were very critical of him last year for not playing developing footballers.
Almost waxed lyrical about their chances.

Of course bucket mouth Schwab says they will win the flag. Last year everytime he opened his gob they put in a shocker. But with such proven stars like Croad and Fletcher up back and the 2 hacks up front in Barker and Holland who am I to question his confidence.

Peter Rhode gets on and says the doggies are ready to fly. They pick up Rawlings and all of a sudden they are a top side. The scribes have jumped on, but how long before they jump off.

What about the crap being trotted out about the Blues. From what we hear they look like jumping from bottom to top in a single bound.

Haven't heard anything about the other interstate sides, the Tigers are very low key but with Nathan Brown and Campbell back could be the big improvers, and the Saints and Roos haven't said much.

Of course if you listen to every second person on the street they say Essendon and Collingwood are shoeins.

So what do we hear about the Swans in Melbourne. Bugger all.
Looks like we are destined to crash to depths unknown, as predicted last year.

So the answer is a pineapple, until as someone else said, round 5.

My prediction: we have so much improvement just sitting there waiting to happen. No point going through the names, but if the players have their heads screwed on right we can't help but put in a top season like 2003.


Bring 'em all on.

[liz]

Originally posted by Charlie
You've both forgotten the Richmond "we think Simon Fletcher is worth picking up" Tigers...

Didn't forget them. I don't really rate them but of the poor teams from last year they at least do have the potential to surprise.

Nathan Brown is a quality player - overrated by some IMO - but still a very good player.

Coughlan is very good and still improving.

Campbell may still have a good season left in him.

If Ottens has a better run with injury and Stafford is motivated this combination has the potential to cause many teams big headaches.

Kane Johnson is quality. He had a good season last year but has potential to be even better.

Much as I dislike him (and also think he is overrated by some) Gaspar is a quality defender and the Tigers' defence will be better for having him back in the team.

Blumfield had a horrendous season with injury niggles last year. The jury may be out on whether he was flattered by being part of the dominant Bombers team of a few years ago but he's still fairly young and I reckon he can play a bit.

I suspect the Tigers lack depth but if they have a good run with injuries they are certainly capable of making the finals, and maybe even top 4. I certainly won't be putting any money on them for the premiership though!

[j s]

Originally posted by TheHood
I predict Port and the Crows will start their slide south and we will rise over the top of them.

We did that LAST year!!!