eth-dog
Tier 1 WW Player
Possible - yes
Probable - no
If Essendon fix their forward structure (heres hoping with a new forward coach in Basset) that's really the only thing stopping them from being top 4. This is the way I currently see it:
1-2: Sydney and Freo. Sydney have great top end talent and if they can keep it together they're going to be the ones to beat next season. Freo have added the missing link in a 2nd KPF to help Pav out in Gumby and will be up there again
3-6: Hawthorn, Essendon, Geelong and North. I know people say Buddy's loss won't be too great, but quality is quality, and if you think the bloke that replaces him anywhere near his quality you're kidding yourself. Essendon haven't really gained or lost this off season as Chappy and Crameri probably balance each other out, but the progression of Daniher and Merrett will be important. Gelong still have very good quality on their list, and only fools would right them off. North's off season has been big, and although I don't particularly rate the appointment of Brown from Carlton, Tudor is a massive get, as is Dal Santo.
7-12: Richmond, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Carlton and Collingwood. 6 teams vying for 2 spots. I think the two Adelaide sides will get them, Tigers going into 9th, Collingwood 10th, Carlton 11th and Gold Coast 12th. Very even group though, a major injury here or there could put any of them in contention for that spot
13-18: West Coast, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane, GWS, Melbourne, St. Kilda. Brisbane and West Coast are probably the 2 best sides of these 6 teams, dogs a comfortable 3rd. The other 3 will be looking at bottom 3 again unfortunately