To Make the Eight

[snajik]

For Sydney to make the eight in 2010 it will need to leapfrog 4 sides just to finish 8th. Finishing 6th or higher would be preferable though that would mean overtaking 6 sides. How feasible is that?

I think getting back to September action is the first step but in a fairly even competition particularly in that 6th-14th 2009 group, who are the sides that we could realistically overtake? The other part of the equation is that we still must finish above the four sides that finished 13-16 in 2009.

I reckon we can probably jump WCE, Port, Essendon and maybe Brisbane. I'm not sure that we can catch the Hawks who look capable of improvement, and I don't think we are quite where Carlton are just yet. The danger could be improvement from WCE, Freo and possibly the erratic and unpredictable North. Melbourne should improve but not considerably and I don't see the Tigers doing anything too remarkable.

It won't be an easy achievement but I think the draw is far kinder in 2010 than it was in 09 whaih gives us a chance.

[Cardinal]

For Sydney to make the eight in 2010 it will need to leapfrog 4 sides just to finish 8th. Finishing 6th or higher would be preferable though that would mean overtaking 6 sides. How feasible is that?

I think getting back to September action is the first step but in a fairly even competition particularly in that 6th-14th 2009 group, who are the sides that we could realistically overtake? The other part of the equation is that we still must finish above the four sides that finished 13-16 in 2009.

I reckon we can probably jump WCE, Port, Essendon and maybe Brisbane. I'm not sure that we can catch the Hawks who look capable of improvement, and I don't think we are quite where Carlton are just yet. The danger could be improvement from WCE, Freo and possibly the erratic and unpredictable North. Melbourne should improve but not considerably and I don't see the Tigers doing anything too remarkable.

It won't be an easy achievement but I think the draw is far kinder in 2010 than it was in 09 whaih gives us a chance.

IMHO:

The Bombers are so far over-rated by the Victorians it makes me laugh and that was before their draw.

Norths and Freo no chance to make the 8.

West Coast are the big chance in my book to improve.

Carlton without Fev could still disappoint their supporters next year.

Hawthorn and Brisbane will be hard to overtake.

So I give us a slim chance but my heart says top 4

[Bloods05]

IMHO:

The Bombers are so far over-rated by the Victorians it makes me laugh and that was before their draw.

Norths and Freo no chance to make the 8.

West Coast are the big chance in my book to improve.

Carlton without Fev could still disappoint their supporters next year.

Hawthorn and Brisbane will be hard to overtake.

So I give us a slim chance but my heart says top 4

That's "North".

[barry]

To me, its either top 4 of nothing. We could possibly sneak into the top 4.

Our competitors as you state:

Carlton - Fev is a massive loss. Will be lucky to make the 8.
Brisbane - Could be premiers or spooners. Could go either way.
Essendon - Embarrasing list. Wont make 8.
North - Have the worst list in the comp. Spoon for sure now that no team is tanking in 2010.
Hawthorn - I think 2008 was a fluke, but will be around the top 8.
WCE - Still rebuilding. Wont make the 8.
Freo - ha, ha.

I also dont think Geelong will make top 4 this year. They will be spent after 3 straight grand finals. St Kilda be up there. Adelaide and Dogs too.
We'll fight the pies for 4th, but I think the addition of Jolly will make them stronger than us.

[Cardinal]

That's "North".

Not Norths of the border

[Puppy Eyes]

We don't have to leapfrog anyone. We all start on exactly the same points and a percentage of exactly 100%.

Whilst at the the start of every season there might always be one or two sides who you could safely pick to make the top 8, and another one or two you could safely pick not to, the last decade has shown every year that there are at least three or four sides who either outperform or under perform against expectations.

In fact, 2009 was the first season in years that the "experts" accurately picked how the Swans would fare.

I fully expect the Swans to make the top 4 in 2010.

[goswannie14]

In fact, 2009 was the first season in years that the "experts" accurately picked how the Swans would fare.

If you keep predicting the same outcome, eventually you will get it right!

[digital]

We don't have to leapfrog anyone. We all start on exactly the same points and a percentage of exactly 100%.

Whilst at the the start of every season there might always be one or two sides who you could safely pick to make the top 8, and another one or two you could safely pick not to, the last decade has shown every year that there are at least three or four sides who either outperform or under perform against expectations.

In fact, 2009 was the first season in years that the "experts" accurately picked how the Swans would fare.

I fully expect the Swans to make the top 4 in 2010.

Based on paper, the side that the Swans field next year, and without being heavily hit with injuries, is capable of making the top 6. That would be an excellent result given the list turnover.

[mcs]

To make the eight I thought we simply have to be above 8 teams on the ladder, be it by points or on %. Have the rules suddenly changed lol!

[johnno]

Carlton will fall bigtime, Essendon will be there abouts, cant see the Hawks doing much, Power are my pick for the spoon in 2010, west coast to be big improvers in 2010, Lions might make top 4 but if not than they will easily be top 8. Crows, saints,Lions, Dogs and cats to fight over top 4 spots. The pies? I would love to see them drop out, but they will be there abouts again. Certainties are Cats, Dogs, saints, crows and lions for top 8, last 3 spots to be fought out between swans, eagles, pies, bombers and possibly hawks. Forget the rest.

[reigning premier]

We'll make the 8 in 2010 no probs. But I don't expect us to do much more than that. 2011 though, a different story altogether. I expect us to be the real deal around about then.

[AnnieH]

A bit early to be making predictions.

[laughingnome]

A bit early to be making predictions.

Which is why the bookies are offering decent odds

[Cardinal]

Which is why the bookies are offering decent odds

On the top 4 or 8 ?

[swansrob]

Sportsbet has us at $67 (13th place) to win the GF. Not great odds at all...
Sportsbet - Futures