Who is our biggest threat from going back-to-back next year assuming we draft Tippett

[satchmopugdog]

I went for other...being injuries and attitude

[Melbourne_Blood]

Who is our biggest threat from going back-to-back next year assuming we draft Tippett

This. Essendon will be lucky to even make the 8!

Bunch of hacks.

I dunno, with their new high paid superstar Goddard, most bombers fans seem to think they're a Monty for top four. Idiots

[DLBIA14]

West Coast, Hawthorn and Freo are looking ominous.

The Bombers have had second year collapses the last 2 years so If they're able to maintain the health of their list you wouldn't begrudge them being bullish about their chances.

Collingwood and Geelong for me are the big unknown. Some people seem to think they'll be right in it next year, but I'm not sure. Geelong could come right back in it if you look at the strength of the young players on their list.

[Alan]

Crows will only get better. Dockers could be a smokey!

[swanspant12]

I'm looking forward to the freo games next year for us. I can almost guarantee that Dimwitriou is going to make us come to fremantle and verse them. Lock that fixture in already. Their style of play is so similar to us back in the day, locking the footy down, pressure around the ball, it would be a great game of similar styles.

[msb]

Hawks, coll, freo and eagles for me. Don't rate the crows much they were extremely fortunate with their draw this year to get them to finish where they did and tippet leaving makes them a lot weaker. Still not prepared to write off the cats either.

[R-1]

Richmond.

[swanspant12]

Richmond.

They'll be good in 2013. Cotchin's a star.

[Bleed Red Blood]

at this point Geelong frighten me. Paul Chapman always has a good day against us, and their list is still packed with quality.

[dimelb]

I picked Hawthorn, but I wouldn't write off Freo or any of the others. People bagging Essendon need to remember that last quarter (I was up shouting at the TV) and that they had perhaps the worst run of injuries, especially soft tissue, of any club. They have since replaced their head of training (whatever the position is called).

[swanspant12]

at this point Geelong frighten me. Paul Chapman always has a good day against us, and their list is still packed with quality.

Half their list are older than my great granny! Chapman is as slow as a turtle. They do have champs though..

[Cant turn right]

I'll add my vote to Freo. Roos' prot?g?s coaching against each other in the 2013 GF would be awesome.

[DamY]

Who is our biggest threat from going back-to-back next year assuming we draft Tippett

I picked Hawthorn, but I wouldn't write off Freo or any of the others. People bagging Essendon need to remember that last quarter (I was up shouting at the TV) and that they had perhaps the worst run of injuries, especially soft tissue, of any club. They have since replaced their head of training (whatever the position is called).

Are you sure? I read that "Weapon" guy is still with them not long ago. He is the one that is helping their players muscle up

[dimelb]

Are you sure? I read that "Weapon" guy is still with them not long ago. He is the one that is helping their players muscle up

I'm not sure which member of the fitness staff it was, but the story I heard (through a remedial massage therapist) was that the bloke was pushing them too hard and not allowing the players adequate time to recover. I found this report and Robinson hasn't been replaced but had his sphere restricted.

Robinson has been unofficially demoted and must report to former running coach Danny Corcoran, James Hird's right-hand man and a former Athletics Australia chief executive. The Weapon is reportedly unhappy with his reduced role and influence. He is understood to have spoken to at least one NRL club.

Read more: AFL rails at fitness as a growth industry

[Mark Busuttil]

For those making fun of Essendon, maybe you want to remind yourself of where they were when they played the Swans mid-season. Everybody obviously thinks that it's nomal for a side with 8 wins to only win 2 of their last 11. If they stay healthy, they could make top 4. Adelaide don't play finals football but that could change (Tippet will be a huge lose). At the end of the day, it's all speculation but BEING THE PREMIERS, it's fun to do.

GO BLOODS!!!!!