Persevering Saint
Brownlow Medallist
Just looking at the way our team stacks up, I'm less convinced we'll be as bad as last year. I think the first four or so rounds from last year is more indicative of who we'll be: able to hold our own against bottom 6 sides, surprise the odd middle 6 side, and really get hammered by the top 6 sides.
Last year, as I've frequently stated, we had TONS of major injuries, not least to our middle-aged players like Steven, Armitage, Geary, etc. This year it's looking much better. Add to that, a few of the younger players seem ripe to step up, and are about to enter into that 50+ bracket (Newnes, Ross, etc). AND, add to THAT, Richo having another year to undo the mess that Watters left us with.
I'm more and more inclined to see last year as an anomoly, caused by excessive injuries, massive list transitions, and having a new coach with an entirely different playing philosophy.
I'm not saying we'll make a play for the 8. But I do think we can be a side that's in that 10-15 area by season's end.
Last year, as I've frequently stated, we had TONS of major injuries, not least to our middle-aged players like Steven, Armitage, Geary, etc. This year it's looking much better. Add to that, a few of the younger players seem ripe to step up, and are about to enter into that 50+ bracket (Newnes, Ross, etc). AND, add to THAT, Richo having another year to undo the mess that Watters left us with.
I'm more and more inclined to see last year as an anomoly, caused by excessive injuries, massive list transitions, and having a new coach with an entirely different playing philosophy.
I'm not saying we'll make a play for the 8. But I do think we can be a side that's in that 10-15 area by season's end.