AFL 2015 - A 309 Warning

[MrTripleC]

270 Day Warning - 15 Bold Predictions for 2015

Bold Prediction 12: Harley Bennell plays less than seven games

It is the buzz around Perth over the 2014-15 off-season. It could be injury, it could be form, it could be a certain AFL code of conduct being breached. Either way Bennell is in for a rough 2015 season.

 

[MrTripleC]

269 Day Warning - 15 Bold Predictions for 2015

Bold Prediction 13: Scoring increases to over 92 points per team per game

Scoring fell by six points from 92 to 86 points per team per game last year. As the best teams showed though, attacking football is the way of the future. Expect teams to revert back to attacking game plans and scoring is going to see a much needed revival.

 

[Andre]

269 Day Warning - 15 Bold Predictions for 2015

Bold Prediction 13: Scoring increases to over 92 points

Is Paul Roos retiring?

Can't see this one happening. Coaches of bottom teams can sell a 80-50 loss that has fans wanting to gouge their eyes out with a blunt stick as starting the revival from defence, more easily than a 160-100 loss. Even if the latter is a better contest for everyone to watch. It's a very rare new coach of a bottom team who says he wants to put on a game worth watching and goes through with it.

 

[MrTripleC]

268 Day Warning - 15 Bold Predictions for 2015

Bold Prediction 14: Robbie Gray finishes top three at the Brownlow

The classic candidate for the year after syndrome which sees the umpires rewarding players a year later then their breakout year. Gray was a deserving winner of the AFLCA MVP but a notable absentee at the top of the Brownlow count. That changes this year as even with a good season, Gray is set for a top three place. Replicate 2014 and Gray is your 2015 Brownlow medal winner.

 

[MrTripleC]

267 Day Warning - 15 Bold Predictions for 2015

Bold Prediction 15: Hawthorn three-peat

Last year no-one saw the obvious until it was too late. Hawthorn were dominant across the season yet were still underdogs in the Grand final. Not this year. Until proved otherwise they are favourites and will complete the most unlikely and amazing of three-peats.

 

[MrTripleC]

266 Day Warning - 18 Memories of 2014 Part I


Following on from the Mike to Cam Show New Years Podcast, please find Cam's standout on field moment for each club from the 2014 season.


Adelaide: The Showdown Win

For a team that flirted with form throughout the year, Adelaide's most memorable performance came in their home Showdown midway through the 2014 season. They upset their red hot cross two rival Port Adelaide by four goals in a game that was closer than that. Eddie Betts dual goals from what was dubbed 'Eddie's Pocket' stood out as the memorable moment from a memorable win.


Brisbane: Justin Leppitsch Celebrates Win Number One

For a player who in the twilight of his career spent a large chunk of his time winning, Leppitsch's reaction in the coaching box as Brisbane saluted for the first time on ANZAC Day in Wellington was priceless. The irony of this reaction was at the time most wondered how many wins Brisbane would be having in recent times. How fast the game can turn that Brisbane are now one of the surprise packets for 2015.


Carlton: Mark Murphy's Gut Busting Run Against West Coast

Questions had been placed externally on the worthiness of Murphy as Carlton captain. After a slow start to the year Murphy almost single handily carried his team to a win over West Coast. Outstanding all game, it was his dare to take the game on and his willingness to run even when spent that set up the match winning goal for Carlton on that day. The disappointment for Carlton this year was that with Murphy and Bryce Gibbs both excelling and showing consistent form, it still was not enough to be a finals team.


Collingwood: The ANZAC Day Comeback

Few would have predicted a Collingwood win on ANZAC Day as Essendon raced to a six goal second quarter lead. Instead this would be the catalyst for another great ANZAC Day moment as Collingwood roared back into the game in the second quarter and dominated the second half leading to a ten goal turnaround from 37 point deficit to 23 point win. Dane Swan was the leader of the pack that day for the Magpies with 26 possessions and four goals including a memorable snap in the third quarter.


Essendon: Jake Carlisle's Fortnight of Terror

One of the narratives of the season was the form of Carlisle and the bullishness from relief coach Mark Thompson that Carlisle was suited as a key forward. After early season struggles, Thompson was vindicated when Carlisle dominated Collingwood and Western in consecutive weeks late in the year with 12 goals and 31 marks in a stunning patch of form that helped Essendon on their finals march.


Fremantle: Opening Night Statement

In the fast paced world of the AFL it is sometimes easy to forget that 16 months ago Fremantle were close to a first premiership. They were given more marquee fixtures in 2014 on the back of that 2013 Grand final appearance, with the opening game against Collingwood one of those matches. The form that Fremantle showed on the opening night of the season was an ominous one that Fremantle were determined to go one better. Though injuries hurt throughout the season, after one night in 2014 Fremantle were by ladder, reputation and performance the best in the AFL.

 

[MrTripleC]

265 Day Warning - 18 Memories of 2014 Part II


Following on from the Mike to Cam Show New Years Podcast, please find Cam's standout on field moment for each club from the 2014 season.


Geelong: After the Siren Win against Fremantle

At the time it felt like a real meaningful moment in the season as Geelong were able to hold off a fast Fremantle finish when David Mundy's after the siren shot went wide. Steve Johnson and Joel Selwood were at their best that Saturday night and there was real belief that this could be a Grand final preview. The irony of this match was that these two teams, so tied to one another in recent years, suffered the same straight sets exits come finals time. It did not look like it would be that way on August 9 though.


Gold Coast: Beating Collingwood

Again it can only be ironic that Gold Coast's most iconic win would be the start of the demise of their most promising season. Down to a dead bench and with their best player, captain and spiritual leader sidelined, Gold Coast's young guns in particular David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara spearheaded a memorable win over Collingwood at Metricon Stadium. It was one of the best games of the season. Unfortunately though in the aftermath to this match Gary Ablett was revealed to need season ending shoulder surgery and indeed Gold Coast's season ended on that shoulder.


GWS Giants: Last Gasp Win

While only the footy purists would have been watching by this point, the final game of the home and away season was played out to the final minute as GWS through Devon Smith were able to kick a last gasp goal and record a memorable win to culminate a season of growth. While GWS have been able to add a series of key names for their ongoing improvement, it is players like Smith and fellow draftees that have the greatest impact to give, in the final moments of 2014, perhaps the start of 2015 was really playing out.


Hawthorn: Bookend Domination

First pre-season match of the year, Hawthorn beat Brisbane by 131 points. Grand final, Hawthorn beat Sydney by 63 points. No two results highlight the domination of Hawthorn in 2014 then these book end wins. Hawthorn was as dominant a defending champion that there has been in the AFL era and were duly rewarded with back to back flags. The irony of this one was that as it was being played out live, it did not seem that this Hawthorn team was as dominant. In the big moments, at the key times, they showed just how dominant they were in 2014.


Melbourne: Christian Salem and the boyhood dream

In a roller coaster season for Melbourne, it was young draftee Salem that had the memorable moment as his final minute mark and goal gave the Demons another narrow win over Essendon. Seemingly with the match lost, Melbourne started an improbable game winning drive that was punctuated by its youth daring to run and take the game on. That Salem stepped up and kicked the goal was a fitting end to a telling piece of play in Melbourne's season.


North Melbourne: Ben Brown's attack on the ball

North Melbourne have had their share of cult heroes recently, but Ben Brown perhaps signals the one with the most upside. Breaking into the team mid-season the standout of Brown besides the hair, was his attack on the ball. It was never more on display then the Elimination final against Essendon when a 10 minute burst by Brown changed the finals complexion. Seemingly on the canvas trailing by five goals, Brown kicked three goals and had a hand in another as North Melbourne stormed back into the match. What was an improbable finals run, started with Brown and his determination for the contest.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

267 Day Warning - 15 Bold Predictions for 2015

Bold Prediction 15: Hawthorn three-peat

Last year no-one saw the obvious until it was too late. Hawthorn were dominant across the season yet were still underdogs in the Grand final. Not this year. Until proved otherwise they are favourites and will complete the most unlikely and amazing of three-peats.

I was confused by this thread at first, but I'm coming around to it.

 

[MrTripleC]

264 Day Warning - 18 Memories of 2014 Part III


Following on from the Mike to Cam Show New Years Podcast, please find Cam's standout on field moment for each club from the 2014 season.


Port Adelaide: Best Individual Half of the Season

The best individual half of the season might have been by a Port Adelaide player in a semi final. The second best individual half of the season might have been by a Port Adelaide player in a semi final. The second half performance of Robbie Gray and Ollie Wines is the thing that legacies are made of. The duo combined for seven goals carrying Port Adelaide from seeming defeat to remarkable victory. Gray's performance was one of opportunity, making the most of every chance, while Wines was a reward for hard work. Together it was two match winning performances in the one game.


Richmond: The Culmination of an Incredible Run

No team had ever done what Richmond did in the second half of the 2014 season as they won nine straight games to go from equal last place at 3-10 to finalist with a 12-10 record. The final win of that run was the most memorable though, as in a must win scenario Richmond upset Sydney away from home with a nail biting three point win. Rightfully on that night Richmond's three best players were Ivan Maric, Brett Deledio and Alex Rance, the three players who were the biggest difference from Richmond at the start of the year and at the end. Maric, Deledio and Rance may not be household AFL names, 2014 did prove they are among the most valuable to Richmond though.


St Kilda: Give us Fremantle 22 Times a Year

In what was the biggest upset of the season, St Kilda not just beat, but thrashed a near full strength Fremantle. While the Dockers were injury hit, this was not like the year previous where St Kilda feasted on the carcass of Fremantle's leftovers, this was St Kilda's young players taking it up to their fancied rivals. With the veterans leading from the front and the youth smelling victory, the buzz around Etihad Stadium was unlike any other during the year. It was one of the true joyous days for St Kilda fans in 2014.


Sydney: Buddy, Buddy, Buddy

It is near impossible to think of a big moment in 2014 that did not revolve around Lance Franklin. Whether it was on field or off field, everything Sydney revolved around Franklin in 2014. In terms of on field moments none were as memorable as his last quarter heroics at home against Port Adelaide as he carried his new team to a memorable win. Playing a close second and third was Franklin's first enigmatic performance against his former Hawthorn team and his Grand final kiss from Luke Hodge. If it was red and white in 2014 chances are it was glazed with Franklin.


West Coast: Josh Kennedy's 11 straight

In the four weeks leading up to round eight West Coast had kicked a combined 30.51. Few could then have imagined that they would put in a goal kicking master class as they routed GWS with a score of 30.8. The chief architect of that goal kicking spree was key forward Kennedy who kicked 11 goals without a miss. It did not matter where he kicked them from, how he kicked them, the Sherrin just seemed to find its way through the big sticks on that day.


Western Bulldogs: Marcus Bontempelli's Freak Goal

Bontempelli represents the greatest hope to Bulldogs fans going into 2015 and no moment highlighted that hope then his match winning goal against Melbourne. It was a goal that was as good an individual effort across the season as it was Bontempelli's willingness to not give up on the ball that best stood out. That he could then kick a freak snap goal just added to the memory of the moment.

 

[MrTripleC]

263 Day Warning - The Mike to Cam Show Monday January 12

The Mike to Cam show returns for 2015 with the opening day of their year the start of an 18 team, six week preview series focusing on each club in 2015. Today's first look is at St Kilda with both boys giving their unique take on St Kilda and what to expect from last year's wooden spoon team this year. Hope you enjoy the listen and appeciate any feedback or questions.

 

[MrTripleC]

262 Day Warning - Seven Untold Stories from the Western Bulldogs in 2015

1. The Marcus Bontempelli position decision

After a second place finish in last year's NAB Rising Star, Bontempelli represents the height of the hype for the new generation of Western Bulldogs players. Bontempelli showed outstanding form late in the year when played both forward and in the midfield. Taking hype aside therein lies the real intrigue for Bontempelli this season as to where his best position is. One of the better comparisons to Bontempelli is Matthew Pavlich, and much of Pavlich's early career was spent with coaches trying to identify how to best utilise his skill set for individual and team gain. New Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has a somewhat pivotal decision to make in his first year in charge about whether to play Bontempelli where he can help the side this year or look further down the track and have Bontempelli set in a position that he could play in a premiership contending squad even if it means more short term pain for the side as a whole.


2. Improved consistency from Jackson Macrae and Tom Liberatore

They may have placed one-two in the Charlie Sutton Medal last year, but there is still improvement ahead for Western Bulldogs two best performed midfielders of last year. Macrae and Liberatore each battled consistency week to week and within games. The duo complement each other as well as any other midfield duo with Liberatore a contested ball winner and Macrae among the leaders in uncontested ball. If this duo can increase on their consistency and can find improved performance when battling opposition attention then expect another one-two finish in the 2015 Charlie Sutton Medal for Macrae and Liberatore and a better Western Bulldogs team.


3. The transformation of Tom Liberatore

Though Robert Murphy took the captaincy upon himself on Ryan Griffen's departure, no doubt more eyes will be on the next captain then the current one. At the end of 2012 Liberatore's AFL career was a tenuous state of affairs as off-field indiscretions became very public. The transformation of Liberatore since that flashpoint moment has probably not got the attention it has deserved and Liberatore the credit he deserves. Highlighting the change in Liberatore was Charlie Sutton Medal night last year. The Charlie Sutton Medal win was a reward for on field performance, but taking the Scott West Courage Award and Brad Johnson Team Player Award are more significant to the proof of development of Liberatore. In 2012 courage and team player were the opposite end of the spectrum to how to describe Liberatore, now after 2014 and heading into 2015, eyes should be on what Liberatore does to prove he is the next captain. He is getting the backing and how he leads the Bulldogs midfield will be as important as how many possessions he collects.


4. An injury free Easton Wood and Dale Morris together

This unheralded defensive duo have battled to string consistent games together as a duo and getting these two fit together could be pivotal to Western's defensive success. While Dale Morris has been able to beat the injury plague over the past two years, it has instead been Wood who has been forced to battle injury hurdles. In an ideal world both these two would be classed as mid-sized defenders, but in the Bulldogs defence they have been required to play outside their standard repertoire. Morris has shown an ability to stop bigger forwards while Wood has shown to stop quicker forwards. If these two can get 22 injury free games together; the defence is more formidable.


5. The other Sydney recruit

Tom Boyd has received much of the attention over the off-season as his large contract ensures that he will be the discussion point of the Bulldogs season. However it is a less discussed pick up with the other Sydney based side that has the possibility to have a bigger impact on the Western Bulldogs season. Shane Biggs received high praise in his limited appearances for Sydney over the past two years with his ability to find the ball a standout. If not for being in a loaded Sydney team few would argue that Biggs would be an AFL regular. Well with the current state of Western, Biggs now is that regular AFL player and is likely to be a handy inside midfield foil for the aforementioned Liberatore. More importantly is that Biggs brings the knowledge of being a part of a successful culture. Like his new coach, having the knowledge of what winners do can be as important a mindset then on field talent.


6. Must see match

The Western Bulldogs received a more favourable fan and commercial draw in 2015 with a move from Sunday to Saturday games in part over the season. In terms of must see matches for Western this year though, the Saturday twilight clash in round nine against GWS must get top billing. This is two clubs that have shown a habit to play out close games in the rivalries short history and with the added spice of Griffen-Boyd going against former clubs, May 30 is going to be an underappreciated big day on the football calender.


7. The Luke Beveridge Story

Just what and who Luke Beveridge the AFL senior coach is will be a big part of the 2015 season for Western Bulldogs. Beveridge follows a coach who despite praise for his development failed to really win the support of a loyal fan base. There are similarities between Beveridge and his predecessor Brendan McCartney and there is the potential that his decision making and demeanor will be received negatively by Western Bulldogs fans. Beveridge has the pedigree, but then again, this is a club that has turned to pedigree before and still been left chasing that elusive premiership. A premiership is not coming this year, but belief from fans that Beveridge is a prospective premiership coach is a telling part of the Bulldogs season. Maybe that last quote sums it up, 2015 is not about premierships, but the belief that they can exist for long suffering red, white and blue fans.

 

[MrTripleC]

261 Day Warning - The Mike to Cam Show Wednesday January 14

The Mike to Cam show has there first Ps and Qs of 2015. Hope you enjoy the listen.

 

[LordLucifer]

278 Day Warning - 15 Bold Predictions for 2015

Bold Prediction 4: Mick Malthouse signs a multi-year extension with Carlton

It will be one of the most intriguing sub plots of the season as whether Carlton commit to Malthouse long term for their next premiership push. Eventually expect Carlton to recognise the reasons why they got Malthouse in the first place and sign him on to lead a true premiership charge in coming seasons.

FFS, how can you call that a "bold prediction" ??

 

[MrTripleC]

260 Day Warning - Seven Untold Stories from Hawthorn in 2015

1. The 91-19 theme to beating Hawthorn

In 2014 Hawthorn had an impressive record of winning all 19 times when they scored more than 91 points in a game. The six times they failed to pass 91 led to the five losses that Hawthorn had during the season. Adding to the 91-19 theme, three of those five losses came by 19 points with the other two by 14 and 20 points. Hawthorn did not win any 19 point game last year nor win a game when they scored 91 points. So carrying on that same theme, perhaps the way in which to beat Hawthorn in 2015 is to restrict them to 91 points. Or stay 19 points ahead at all times.


2. Four in a row/three straight titles and the historic significance

Arguably not enough is being made of the history that Hawthorn are looking to embark upon in 2015. Only Brisbane in the AFL era has made it to four straight Grand final appearances and not since the Golden era of Hawthorn football in the 1980's have the Hawks had this opportunity. Recent history has suggested that three Grand finals in succession is the height of success with Geelong, Collingwood and St Kilda (both courtesy of a Grand final replay) recent teams that peaked with three Grand final appearances. For that reason what Hawthorn is trying to achieve this year needs to be recognised for the history that it is. Four years of a grueling 26 week season can take its toll and will be the one overhanging question mark as Hawthorn approach a three-peat. Hawthorn are the 22nd team to win back to back preimierships in VFL/ AFL history. Only four of those teams have gone on to win three and one to win four. History is very much against Hawthorn.


3. The Clarkson and Bolton Coaching Situation

What failed to generate much media attention as three coaches were sacked following the culmination of the 2014 season was the inability of Brendon Bolton to secure one of those available jobs. Bolton enjoyed a stunning six week period as Hawthorn coach when Alastair Clarkson was sidelined with illness, leading Hawthorn to six consecutive wins. Bolton still boasts a 100% win rate as an AFL coach and likely his remaining at Glenferrie had part to do with Hawthorn beginning to look post-Clarkson. Clarkson is still signed through 2016 and there has been no suggestion that he will retire from coaching at that point, but perhaps Bolton staying at Hawthorn is the first indication that Clarkson may see a role change into the popular director of coaching in 2017. Hope is always high for Clarkson to receive a clean bill of health this year, but now in Bolton, Hawthorn know they have a readymade AFL coach in waiting.


4. Ceglar and Simpkin's motivation

In 2013 both Taylor Duryea and Matt Spangher were in the final 25 for a Grand final berth and ultimately a premiership medallion before cruelly missing out. In 2014 it appeared that spurn of being so close sparked career best seasons as Duryea became an integral part of Hawthorn's run and rebound game and Spangher embracing cult figure status and was a key tall utility. In 2015 the roles of Duryea and Spangher are set to be played by Grand final spurn Jon Ceglar and Jonathan Simpkin. The spark and motivation that incoming players like Jon O'Rourke and James Frawley will play on Hawthorn has been well documented but what Ceglar and Simpkin offer is just as crucial. Whereas O'Rourke and Frawley are coming into a new culture and are looking to earn and learn their place, for Ceglar and Simpkin they are well aware of where they stand within the club and know what they need to do to guarantee best 22 selection. For Ceglar it is about continuing to improve his aerial work and take the number one ruck mantle at Hawthorn, while for Simpkin it is showing the consistency and endurance to shake that super sub tag. If those two can show rapid improvement then Hawthorn are a more rounded contender this year.


5. The Tasmania Advantage against other Contenders

Hawthorn's imposing record at York Park in Launceston continues to grow as they have now won their last 11 at the venue and 18 of its past 19. In 2015 Hawthorn has gained a key advantage in that they play a potential top four rival in Fremantle and two possible finals contenders in Gold Coast and Brisbane at the venue. In what is likely to be a tight season, the home ground advantage and possible four wins that will come at Aurora Stadium represent a key advantage for Hawthorn in a tough year as two time reigning champion.


6. A tough schedule, a long game

As has been the case for the past five seasons Hawthorn continue to be one of the biggest drawing teams and have suffered a tough fixture as a result. It is no different this year as again the Hawks face one of the most daunting fixtures with double ups against finals contenders all over the palce. As a club Hawthorn have recently promoted the idea of playing a long game over short term wins and likely this year will be testament to that. Last year they were conservative with injuries and their best players, expect again that conservative approach to be in play and as a result the odd loss is possible. While every loss will be highly scrutinised and any losing streak will be spoken of as the end, Hawthorn will be comfortable knowing that simply being in September is all they need to build a three-peat charge.


7. Veterans actually getting better

The buzz word around Hawthorn this year is likely going to be veteran followed closely by aging list. While most are quick to point out that Hawthorn now has an overabundance of players approaching or over the age of 30, few seem ready to acknowledge that most of those players approaching or over 30 are in career best form. Thanks to smart list management and injury management over the past decade, Hawthorn have been able to keep the core of its list refreshed so they are still able to perform at a high level. Given the experience that this veteran group now have the Hawthorn Tveterans could arguably just get better this year and play just a big part in the 2015 success with experience as they did in the 2007 success with youthful exuberance.

 

[MrTripleC]

259 Day Warning - Seven Untold Stories from St Kilda in 2015

1. Winning is going to matter

While in 2014 it was debatable to Allan Richardson and the St Kilda fraternity around the importance of winning, in 2015 winning has to matter to St Kilda. With a blueprint for success in place, St Kilda would be well aware that they are close to toeing the line where losing culture overtakes youthful development. The fine line in bottoming out appears to be in being able to drop, grab the draft picks and quickly rebuild a winning culture. Over the past two years St Kilda have dropped and collected the draft picks, now the need is really there to get this young group tasting success.


2. The Fisher Factor

The record does not really show it over the past two years but Sam Fisher is a vital part of St Kilda's team and defensive structure. Though they have won only three of the 16 games Fisher has played in that time, it is the fact that Fisher has played only 16 of 44 games that is of greater significance. At a time of year where every player is tearing up the training track, Fisher is tearing up the track. However Fisher doing it is different in that he is pain free for the first time since playing a pivotal role in premiership contending Saint teams. These Saints are a different group and not premiership contending, but with a real need to start winning to instill belief, Fisher will help with both the belief and the winning.


3. The next Goddard

Last year it was not St Kilda's top three pick, but its second pick that had the biggest impact on the season. Luke Dunstan was a draft day slider in the 2013 draft but proved all his skill to be a standout in 2014. This year Patrick McCartin is receiving attention as the number one pick, but it is again likely that St Kilda's second pick grabs the on field headlines. Hugh Goddard has gone to a club that gives him a chance to get instant opportunities and both his pedigree and underage performance would suggest that chance is all he needs. While experts continue to talk McCartin pre-season, be sure to check Goddard as an under the radar potential first year standout.


4. Returning from injury

After an outstanding opening to his AFL career the season of Eli Templeton was ended far too early in round six with an arm injury. For that reason St Kilda could look at Templeton like a new recruit again in 2015 albeit safe in the knowledge that they know what they have in the livewire small. On top of Templeton, Dylan Roberton, Jarryn Geary, Luke Dunstan, Blake Acres and Jimmy Webster were all players who showed promise in 2014 who had their seasons cut short by injury. Full seasons from this group would be a significant boost to St Kilda being able to fight the season out all the way to round 23 something that was a struggle in 2014.


5. The New Zealand Experiment

They are still winless over the other side of the Tasman, but it is becoming clear that St Kilda are desperate to build on the footprint they have made in New Zealand. With part of the St Kilda off-season taking place there it seems only a matter of time before the yearly visit on ANZAC Day for premiership points is expanded. Looking ahead in 2015 expect St Kilda to fight for a second game on foreign soil starting in 2016. Right now it is not much of an advantage, but with the dimensions of the ground in Wellington vastly different, as St Kilda improve, likely that advantage can improve.


6. Fast start

Last year it is easy to forget but St Kilda was 2-0 and played some of its best football at the start of the season using the freshness and enthusiasm of its list to upset Melbourne and GWS. If they can replicate that same start then there is a real opening for St Kilda to surprise the competition in 2015. The opening six weeks of the season could all be classed as winnable games for the Saints as they take on GWS, Gold Coast, Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon and Western with only one interstate away game trip during that run. In what is likely to be a very even season, a bit of luck going St Kilda's way could be all that the club needs to embark on a surprise 2015 run.


7. Forward movement

At one time or another in their respective St Kilda careers, Trent Dennis-Lane, Beau Maister and Rhys Stanley were regarded as the hope to partner Nick Riewoldt in attack. It was a symbolic changing of the guard as these three, links and hopes from the past, were moved on as McCartin came to the club. McCartin likely is not the answer in the short term to the St Kilda goal kicking woes and even in the long term McCartin is the hope to replace Riewoldt as number one forward. St Kilda therefore still need a number two forward. They have hopes for the incoming Tim Membrey, but just where the St Kilda goals are coming from is the biggest question mark and red flag for improvement in 2015.

 

[MrTripleC]

258 Day Warning - The Mike to Cam Show Hawthorn Special

Mike to Cam continue with their 2015 team previews today looking at the two time reigning and defending premiers. Hope you enjoy the listen.

 

[MrTripleC]

257 Day Warning - The Mike to Cam Show Western Bulldogs Special

The Mike to Cam show continue their 2015 team previews looking at a team that has had a tough pre-season, the Western Bulldogs. Hope you enjoy the listen.

 

[MrTripleC]

256 Day Warning - Seven Untold Stories from Adelaide in 2015


1. They are restricted

The they is Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane, the restricted is the reality the AFL must come to, that the home of both Dangerfield and Sloane in 2016 rests solely with the Adelaide Football Club by virtue of holding the rights of both as restricted free agents. Since last week's announcement as Taylor Walker as Adelaide captain, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive that both Dangerfield and Sloane will be in Victorian club colours in 2016. However the reality still is that Adelaide has the final say. They will have the right to match any contract put on offer. Given the talent that Adelaide has lost over the past five years they should have cap space to cover at least one and possibly both even if a rival club makes a 'can't refuse' offer. Hawthorn, Richmond and Geelong are three of the hot suitors for the Adelaide duo, but creating an offer that puts Adelaide out of the market is unlikely. A deeper glance at the Adelaide list and the reality is there, that this is a list that needs Sloane and Dangerfield and can find the way to pay them what they want. The mainstream hyperbole in this case may be just that, and Adelaide may still yet keep its key core together beyond this year.


2. Off-season Affecting In-season

The hiring of new head coach Phil Walsh has ushered in a new era at the Crows based around hard work and accountability. However for all of the preaching of Walsh around hard work, his energy and the team's effort could still be undone by the impending uncertainty around the 2015 free agency period. History has shown that off-field talk can very quickly derail on field performance of the player in question, but also the team as a whole. With Adelaide considered an inconsistent side coming into this season based off past performance, the last thing an inconsistent side needs is additional scrutiny. If Adelaide finds themselves battling for form at the midway point of the season, regardless of how much hard work they have done, mentally first and physically second the team may come undone.


3. Losing All-Australian Rebound

Brodie Smith was one of the revelations of 2014 with his dare, dash, run and rebound from the back half being one of the highlights of the Adelaide season. Smith was rewarded for this breakout season with All-Australian selection a justification for the significant role that Smith was playing in a modern game plan. It is somewhat surprising then that the pre-season talk is that of Smith moving towards the midfield. Smith has trained with the midfield group over the past couple of years, but after a career best season last year, one has to question the thought process behind taking an elite defender and rebounder from a position he had dominated last season. Either Adelaide have real belief in the succession planning they have or they believe that Smith is more important as a midfielder. Regardless it is a potential high risk, ballsy move from a first year coach.


4. The 2014 Recruits One Year On

Another one of the real highlights of the Adelaide season in 2014 was the performance of its two high profile recruits in Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly. The duo combined to play 43 out of a possible 44 games and contributed 77 goals on the scoreboard. It would be safe to say that both exceeded expectations in their first season in Crow colours. Given that former coach Brenton Sanderson played a large part in bringing both of this duo to the club, how they respond to a new coach and how they back up outstanding seasons is a key for Adelaide making a finals push. The performance of Betts especially could very easily be tied to whether Adelaide play finals football in 2015.


5. Hawthorn's 2014 Depth is Adelaide's 2015 Hope

In a whirlwind final few minutes at the trade deadline, Adelaide were able to secure the services of both Luke Lowden and Kyle Cheney from Hawthorn. Both Lowden and Cheney were depth players at Hawthorn and generally trading for depth has a habit of backfiring on clubs. In the case of Lowden and Cheney though, they are coming from the two time defending champion and a team that was highly regarded because of an ability to overcome injuries. As aforementioned, Adelaide did nail the trade period 18 months ago and the hope is that Lowden and Cheney will be another win for the Crows. Lowden played just one game for Hawthorn last year, but seems valuable insurance for the singular Sam Jacobs ruck option and also potentially gives Adelaide a different look as a tall forward. Cheney meanwhile has become somewhat of an AFL journeyman with this being his third club. Cheney did play nine games last year and has shown some versatility as a defender. Given a lack of depth in the Adelaide back half, hopes could be high for Cheney being a 2015 regular and like Lowden, giving the Crows a slightly different look.


6. Inconsistency lingering

Last year Adelaide showed a habit to win tough back to the wall games, while dropping what appeared to be penciled wins on paper. The AFL world should know within the opening six weeks whether Adelaide are again going to be a team based on inconsistency or whether the 2015 Crows are legitimate. North Melbourne at home to start, followed by Collingwood away, Melbourne at home, Western away, Port Adelaide at home and St Kilda away represents a testy challenge for how Adelaide has previously played. Theoretically Adelaide could win all of that group, yet who and the fashion that any potential loss comes in will probably tell more about the 2015 of the Crows.


7. Sliding Doors of Phil Walsh

For over a decade Walsh has been regarded as one of the best assistant coaches in the land. Walsh has finally made the plunge towards head coaching after a series of life events that have led him to Adelaide. One of the key influencers in this decision appears to be his former boss and now cross town rival in Ken Hinkley. What is noticeable very early on is that while Walsh very much beats to his own drum he is bringing an aura of Port Adelaide to Adelaide. Just like Walsh has encountered a series of sliding door moments in his life, Adelaide could be about to face a sliding door to their cross town rival. The upside of playing an ultra modern, hard running, hard working game plan is a top four finish so far; the downside is unknown. Is there more room on the upside? This could be a sliding door where Walsh and Adelaide find out.

 

[MrTripleC]

255 Day Warning - Mike to Cam Show Adelaide Special

In Monday's Mike to Cam Show, the guys discuss Mike's Adelaide team. Mike is bullish on his team's prospects for 2015, but Cam is a little bit more skeptical on how the Crows will fare in 2015. Enjoy the listen.

 

[MrTripleC]

254 Day Warning - Mike to Cam Show Wednesday January 21

In Wednesday's Mike to Cam Show, Mike takes the lead with this weeks PS and QS, that is proclamation and question. Mike focuses on finding out who is each teams most important player while also asking the hard questions of AFL clubs looking ahead to the 2015 season. Hope you enjoy the listen.

 

[MrTripleC]

253 Day Warning - Seven Untold Stories From North Melbourne in 2015


1. The free agency decisions

Shaun Higgins and Jarrad Waite are two big names considering the struggles that North Melbourne has previously had in attracting top line AFL talent. It is understandable why North Melbourne made the decision to sign both Higgins and Waite, but there is still the possibility that the team was set where Higgins and Waite offer greatest value. Up forward North Melbourne unheralded Ben Brown in 2014 who could become the focal point of an AFL team and when considering that North Melbourne do have Drew Petrie and Aaron Black as well, this could be a case that Waite overloads the squad. It is a little bit of an unknown whether Higgins is going to be allowed freedom to roam across half back or if he is going to be used as a midfielder forward. Down back with Shaun Atley and Luke McDonald North Melbourne have some outstanding potential in midsized drive. As an attacking midfielder, Brent Harvey still is the standard bearer for this role. Of course Higgins like Waite could fit alongside these players, but it is still going to likely be a what if in years to come if they had chosen to go a different route with the available salary cap space that this incoming duo will take up.


2. The Third Man

Random stat that would likely stump all your friends. Who had more hitouts in 2014, Drew Petrie or Nick Dal Santo? The answer might surprise as Dal Santo reigned with 25 hitouts to 23. What the answer does tell though is how North Melbourne are trying to give their sole ruck option of Todd Goldstein support. Rather than using a second specialist ruck, North Melbourne are willing to allow its midfield to attack the contest. Jack Ziebell, Daniel Wells and the now departed Levi Greenwood all had multiple occasions where they would go third man up and it was a positive tactic that North Melbourne employed over the year. Having seen the 2013 Grand finalists of Hawthorn and Fremantle use this tactic successfully, it is a small indication that North Melbourne are learning from the best, are in tune with the modern game and are wanting to strive to be the best.


3. Finally Getting that Recognition

It is remarkable to think that a player who averaged nearly 25 possessions a game last year and has played 60 straight games since his debut in 2012 could still be an AFL unknown. Alas though, it took a dominant semi final display against Geelong to really entrench Gibson as one of the budding elite midfielders in the competition. In a year where Matt Priddis won the Brownlow, Gibson was testament to the true battlers in the midfield that can be vital cogs of a midfield group. Gibson's 2015 season will be an intriguing one to watch. Without Levi Greenwood there may be more expectation to win the contested ball, but opposition clubs may also realise how important Gibson can be to North Melbourne's team success. In his AFL career every time that Gibson has got more than 30 possessions the Kangaroos have won. It happened six times last year. Six or more times this year is an exciting prospect for North Melbourne fans.


4. New Roles for Budding Young Stars

Shaun Atley and Luke McDonald have been two real highlights of the North Melbourne defensive system and both appear ready to take on larger roles in 2015. Atley is ready to be freed up for time in the midfield where his outside run and carry can help to have an impact on scoring plays and this decision will free up Atley's spot rebounding off half back for McDonald to step up. McDonald's development benefitted from a year of defensive training, but in 2015 using this base and allowing his natural run and skill to shine North Melbourne have two bright prospects in new roles in Atley and McDonald.


5. Injury plagued pre-season

One of the lingering concerns as the season approaches is how many of North Melbourne's depth players have been forced to have off-season surgery or have had injury affected pre-seasons. More than ever, a full pre-season is vital for an AFL club and getting the required fitness levels and miles in the legs is vital over the course of a long season. Ben Brown, Aaron Mullett, Drew Petrie and Aaron Black head a list of Kangaroo players who are likely to be underdone going into the 2015 pre-season. With a lot of forwards amongst that group there is perhaps some danger on the injury front that this off-season will affect the season proper. The positive is that long time injury risks Shaun Higgins and Jarrad Waite seem to be as healthy as they have ever been as AFL players.


6. A complex opening to a top six draw

Potentially the greatest challenge for North Melbourne this season is that their top four finish last season means they have been left with a top six draw in 2015. Compounding the toughness of those double up games is the opening fortnight of the season which sees them play Adelaide in Adelaide and Brisbane in Melbourne. Based off last season North Melbourne should start heavy favourites in both these games, but with Adelaide desperate to start the Phil Walsh era with a win and potentially an excited Brisbane team peaking early in the year, getting two wins in the first two weeks is going to be a tougher assignment for North Melbourne then first imagined. Realistically though, two wins has be a must as from these two games as they go into a brutal stretch following that includes Port Adelaide, Geelong, Hawthorn, Richmond and Essendon. There are not many easy games in the AFL in 2015, but North Melbourne have definitely been given one of the tougher assignments.


7. Coaching hot seat

Brad Scott has been vindicated for a lot of hard work that he has put into North Melbourne, having guided the club to a preliminary final last year. The passion that Scott has shown for his players and club has been infectious for players and fans alike and has created a sense of club and identity. Despite all that hard work and success from an outsider perspective, whether Scott and North Melbourne are a long term fit is still debatable. Looking ahead there is still a scenario that both club and coach decide to move on as early as at the conclusion of this season. It seems unlikely right now but if North Melbourne were to miss finals this year then both club and coach may look at other options. Scott may look at a new challenge at another club and now with an impressive AFL resume, a club like Collingwood or Carlton may consider taking a close look if Scott was available or had the potential to be available. North Melbourne meanwhile may look at a favourite son, who will have had two years of coaching experience, namely Adam Simpson who like Scott still has questions about his long term future at West Coast. The expectation is high for Scott and North Melbourne going into this year, and as stakes rise so too does the risk involved. Imagine North Melbourne missing finals this year which leads to Scott moving on and North Melbourne making a power play for Simpson. Admittedly on face value this set of circumstances seems a little crazy, the more you think about it, the more this could happen. You have got to love the world of coaching and the world of AFL. Let speculation reign.

 

[MrTripleC]

252 Day Warning - Mike to Cam Show North Melbourne Special

Mike to Cam's season previews continue as they look at the North Melbourne Football Club today. Cam gives his favourite reason to watch the Kangaroos this year while Mike raves about his love for a North Melbourne defender. In a surprising twist, it is nothing but praise for North Melbourne coach Brad Scott. Hope you enjoy the listen.

 

[MrTripleC]

251 Day Warning - Mike to Cam GWS Special

Mike to Cam's season previews continue as the boys explain why they believe that GWS are set to surprise the competition in 2015. Hope you enjoy the listen.

 

[MrTripleC]

250 Day Warning - Seven Untold Stories from GWS in 2015

1. The 50 Game Mark

Crucially for GWS this season they have a number of players who have or are going to go past the 50 games milestone. Typically speaking AFL footballers find consistency around the 50 game mark and by the time they have made it to 100 they are ready to make an impact on finals football or in the big moments. Devon Smith, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron make up that group that have just passed 50 games and appear ready to take on the big games and big moments. With Stephen Coniglio, Adam Tomlinson and Will-Hoksin Elliot all set to pass the milestone in the first half of the season, the young Giants are ready to make giant sized steps.


2. Defensive Experience

When GWS played their first ever match less than three years ago the back six comprised of Adam Kennedy, Phil Davis, Tom Bugg, Jack Hombsh, Tim Mohr and Will Hoskin-Elliot. That six had less than 20 games of experience and over the first two years of the club a weak defensive group was one of the real battles of GWS. Over the past two seasons the focus on defence has been easily recognisable to the point that going into 2015 they potentially have a top five defence. With a prospective group that includes Joel Patfull, Phil Davis and Heath Shaw as veteran heads alongside rapidly developing youngsters Nick Haynes, Tim Mohr, Curtly Hampton and Adam Kennedy the back six of GWS is no longer a weakness and could well be the strength. It has been an impressive performance by the GWS list management group to build a defence in the way in which they have.


3. Jeremy Cameron as a Lone Wolf for Half a Year

In 2013 Cameron proved that he was a player that had the temperament and skill set to operate as the number one option in a forward line. He went perilously close to a seemingly unbelievable Coleman Medal while playing for the bottom side. In 2014 with a forward line that included Jon Patton, Tom Boyd and Jon Giles at various times, Cameron struggled to replicate his 2013 form. Now with Boyd departed and Patton a minimum half season away from playing, Cameron gets his chance to again be the sole target in the Giants forward line. He has already shown that he thrives under that circumstance and could be a pivotal piece of the GWS season and a possible ascent of the ladder.


4.Full Season Experience

One of the real question marks that has to be raised on this still young GWS team is how they can go over a full 22 game season. 66 games into their history, captain Callan Ward is the game's leader at 61. This indicates that GWS has battled to get its list through full seasons. Some of this was undoubtedly around list management as the club took a cautious approach in its foundation years with not overloading a team brimming with teenagers. While this has likely helped to an extent, the negative of this is that young GWS players over a 22 game season is an unknown. Furthermore, the games experience previously mentioned has been hurt by this decision to manage their players in their early seasons. With the list at their disposal, like Gold Coast last year, an attempt towards finals is a possibility. Where, like Gold Coast last year, they may fall down is late in the year as the long season begins to wear on bodies that are not used to 22 full games of intense AFL football.


5. Mumford-Griffen connection

A lot has been made of the high profile signing of Ryan Griffen in the off-season, but few have taken the analysis beyond Griffen becoming a GWS player. Griffen was able with former teammate ruckman Will Minson create one of the most dangerous clearance duos in the league and Griffen's step to elite midfielder was courtesy of improved clearance play. Now at GWS, Griffen has one of the best tap ruckmen in the league to work off. Shane Mumford has been a tower of strength for the Giants despite not having a real strong clearance player to work with. Now with Griffen at his feet, he stands to profit. For GWS this off-season has to be about getting a connection between these two, because it potentially stands to be one of the best clearance teams in the league.


6. A fast start

Like a lot of the lower rung clubs from last year, the early season draw is friendly to GWS. The AFL has clearly prioritised teams from similar areas going head to head early in the year and GWS must exploit this luxury they have. As their fellow franchise club in Gold Coast did last year, a fast start is crucial to give hope towards an unlikely finals appearance. They face St Kilda, Melbourne and Gold Coast in the opening month of the year knowing these are three winnable games. With Sydney, Hawthorn and West Coast in Perth to come the key for GWS is maximising and winning those three games against the likely betting odds.


7. Leon Cameron as the next Alastair Clarkson

There are a lot of similarities in Cameron when compared to Clarkson. Clearly the big difference right now is coaching accolades, though Clarkson has been fortunate to have a talented group at the height of their football powers for close to a decade. Cameron partly because of the list that he has had to work with has been somewhat hamstrung. However with a more developed list and some real strong experience at his disposal, 2015 could be the start where Cameron makes a move towards one of the most innovative strategy and match day coaches. Like Clarkson, Cameron has proven to be an outstanding coach of young talent and clearly the respect he is starting to receive from the GWS group is testament to his own hard work. The way in which Cameron speaks though, the language he uses and the way in which he holds himself speaks to a coach that wants to be ahead of the game and coaching curve. With a capable list, opposition coaches may begin to sweat on a head to head matchup with Cameron and be looking at what he is doing as the next way the AFL pendulum swings.

 

[MrTripleC]

249 Day Warning - Mike to Cam Show Carlton Special

1. Chris Judd's Importance and Durability

While there has been a changing of the guard at the top end of talent with Carlton, the importance that Judd plays in the team cannot, and possibly has been understated over the past 18 months. Likewise the durability of Judd has come into question following a career low games tally in 2014 with 12 games played by the former captain. However over a grueling 13 year career, where Judd has came under as much physical pressure as any other player, he has managed to play at least 19 games in 11 of his 13 years. Highlighting Judd's importance still as a veteran is that prior to last year, his first injury affected season, a Judd team had never finished lower then 10th and never had less than 10 wins. That Judd missed significant time last year and Carlton struggled should not be seen as a coincidence. Looking at his career as a whole, 2014 should be considered the outlier, Judd is set to play a pivotal role if the Blues are to play finals football in 2015.


2. The Other Missed Games

When assessing Carlton based off last year to this year, most point out to the games missed by Matthew Kreuzer and Chris Judd as a reason for improvement. This theme can be taken further though when on top of this duo games were missed by Ellard (9), Carrazzo (8), Walker (8), Curnow (7), Docherty (6) and Murphy (2). Given this group of six could all see midfield time this year given coach Mick Malthouse's desire for flexibility it is worth noting the impact that this group could have if they can string games together as a group.


3. Goals

Whenever a team losers its leading goal kicker from the year previous the first question has to be on where the goals are going to come from. The loss of Jarrad Waite has been offset by the arrival of Liam Jones and Kristian Jaksch however the reality is that Waite has played 184 AFL games for 252 goals. The Jones-Jaksch duo has 70 goals in 73 games. It is a big difference in terms of experience and goal kicking that Carlton has lost. Big things are needed from Lachie Henderson and Matthew Kreuzer but Jones and Jacksch contributing a goal and a half a game each would be what is needed to overcome the loss of Waite.


4. Draft History

For a club with a patchy record when it comes to top 25 draft selections the pick of Blaine Boekhurst on draft night late last year was certainly somewhat from left field for Carlton. Even in the past nine months Carlton have seen former top 25 picks Kane Lucas and Josh Bootsma moved on from the club while others like Matthew Watson and Patrick Cripps are still yet to show the potential they showed at under age level. Boekhurst is an intriguing prospect in that while he is mature aged and has senior football experience he does not come from a football background and is far less experienced at the game as a whole than other top 25 picks. Either way, this appears a high risk, high reward play for Carlton. Given some of the failures they have had on safe picks, it may be the best choice they could have made.


5. A real X factor

Remember when X factor used to be the buzz word in AFL circles? What was an overused term could easily be brought back when describing Carlton forward and budding midfielder Troy Menzel. As an AFL footballer Menzel has shown a real ability to do the freakish and produce bursts of play that are scintillating. The key for Menzel and for Carlton is finding a way to have that freakish best last for longer. 26 games into his career Menzel has never had more than 15 possessions in a game. For Carlton's ongoing success Menzel needs to evolve from a player who does little things or only helps on the scoreboard. It is understandable why Carlton have been slow to integrate Menzel to a key role given injury concerns, but now the time has come for Carlton to let this true X factor off the chain.


6. Fluctuating Draw

Carlton are in a position of highlighting the flaw of the AFL's recently implemented fixture pools. After lucking their way to a top six position in 2013, the 2014 fixture was brutal for the Blues. It was another one of the reasons in a tough year why they slid to 13th. Now finding themselves in a bottom pool for the 2015 fixture, it is a very favourable draw that Carlton embark upon. With double up games against GWS, Brisbane and Collingwood; the possibility is really there for Carlton to springboard back to finals action in 2015. If Carlton were to start this yo-yo affect to finishing positions, it may be the trigger for the AFL to adapt what has so far been a fairly popular change.


7. The Malthouse Effect

One of the reasons to be high on Carlton last year was the improvement that Mick Malthouse teams showed in year two of his time with a club. All of Western Bulldogs, West Coast and Collingwood showed significant improvement in year two when coached by Malthouse. While sadly for Blues fans this was not the case at Carlton, hope could be given that in the last two coaching stops that Malthouse has made with West Coast and Collingwood, his charges played off in a Grand final in his third year with the club. The reality is that this Carlton team does not seem a premiership contender, but hey, Malthouse has the history. That is the positive for long suffering Carlton fans.