Top 8 possible?

[Essendon Fan]

Unfortunately over the past two seasons it has become a common trend at Essendon that star players are sidelined with injury. An undermanned Essendon will again head into tomorrow night's match against Hawthorn.

Adam Ramanauskas, Dean Rioli and Dustin Fletcher are definite non-starters and there is still a big question mark hanging over James Hird. Hird trained well yesterday afternoon but a fitness test tomorrow will confirm if he is available to take on Hawthorn.

The stakes are high tomorrow night for both teams - a position in the top eight is up for grabs.

I have still tipped Essendon,
might some how still get on top and beat them.
Times are tough at the moment for the Dons,
hopefully things improve,before our next interstate game which is rd11 against sydney.(Hope we can win for my b-day on the 7th!!!)

~Go Dons~

[IceTemple]

This year has so far been a difficult one far all Essendon fans and it has been hard to see the positives. However there are some exciting youngsters coming through the ranks which will bode well for our future no matter salary cap rorts or not.

If these injured players can pick up again and can maintain an injury free period of time (injury gods & medical management improvement) then we should be a strong challenging outfit.

I do not think we really will be a top 4 prospect but we can definately be a top 8 team. Can we acheive much in the finals if we do make it? Possibly not if it continues to be dominated by interstaters, but if you don't make it then you can never try.

[M29]

I'm still picking a 6-8 position. Still early. This week dosen't look good at all. Lloyd apparently isn't right and Hirds doubtful. I spose we've had an ok run with injuries not hitting several key players at one stage since 97. So we can't really complain at this stage.

Hopefully Rama, fletch, hird and rioli are all back soon.

[Chiz]

My pick is in the bottom half of the eight. With interstate teams occupy the majority of positions in the finals, it will probably be difficult to get through to the GF. However, who knows what can happen with the MCG factor coming in to play each week.

[BomberGal]

If we lose to Hawthorn, I'll be doubtful. Still, we have a lot of injuries, but I don't want to be making excuses.

If we lose tonight, then we'll have to start making up some ground very quickly.