Ladder comparison 2015 to 2014 by round

[Sunbot]

ROUND 11
(2014 only 10 games played due to bye; 2015 teams played 11 except * for only 10)

1. Dockers +Psn 6, +WL 4, +%dif 17%, 2014 Fin 4
2. Swans +Posn 1, +WL 2, +%dif -1%, 2014 Fin 1
3. Eagles +Posn 8, +WL 4, +%dif 38%, 2014 Fin 9
4. PIES +Posn 0, +WL 1, +%dif 12%, 2014 Fin 11
5. Giants +Posn 12, +WL 5, +%dif 36%, 2014 Fin 16

Can the Eagles and Giants hold it together?

*6. Hawks +Posn -4, +WL -1, +%dif 8%, 2014 Fin 2
*7. Crows +Posn 2, +WL 1, +%dif 7%, 2014 Fin 10
*8. Tigers +Posn 5, +WL 3, +%dif 15%, 2014 Fin 8

Game in hand for these 3, me thinks a top 4 spot for one of them.

9. Cats +Posn -3, +WL -1, +%dif -1%, 2014 Fin 3
10. Port +Posn -9, +WL -4, +%dif -46%, 2014 Fin 5
*11. Dogs +Posn 3, +WL 2, +%dif 15%, 2014 Fin 14

Will the Dogs give up their good start? Port could be done?

12. Kangas +Posn -4, +WL -1, +%dif -20%, Fin 6
13. Bombers +Posn -3, +WL -1, +%dif -18%, Fin 7
14. Saints +Posn 2, +WL 1, +%dif 16%, Fin 18
15. Demons +Posn 0, +WL 0, +%dif -4%, Fin 17
*16. Lions +Posn 2, +WL 0, +%dif 8%, Fin 15

Kangas waste 2015. Bombers miss Bomber.

17. Suns +Posn -12, +WL -6, +%dif -41%, Fin 12
*18. Blues +Posn -6, +WL -3, +%dif -22%, Fin 13

Never build a side on one player. Thanks Mick.

 

[tehnoodnub]

Good thread, Sunbot.

To be honest, I thought our first 11 rounds last year were better than our first 11 rounds this year but as our younger players have that extra year of experience and development, I'm sure we'll keep it up for the remainder of the year. Our next four are rough but I think we can get to 10-5 and from there, we should stay in the 8.

 

[loki04]

Good thread, Sunbot.

To be honest, I thought our first 11 rounds last year were better than our first 11 rounds this year but as our younger players have that extra year of experience and development, I'm sure we'll keep it up for the remainder of the year. Our next four are rough but I think we can get to 10-5 and from there, we should stay in the 8.

We were playing shocking footy last year in those wins so much so it was amazing we won as much as we did.
Scrubba footy.

This year our structures, movement and even kick has shown improvement over last.

We still have to continue to improve those areas some will only happen with personnel changes.

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 12
2015 byes continue. * for teams on 11 games

1. *Dockers +Psn 6, +WL 4, +%dif 17%, 2014 Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 5, +%dif 36%, 2014 Fin 9
3. *Swans +Psn 0, +WL 2, +%dif -1%, 2014 Fin 1
4. *PIES +Psn 0, +WL 1, +%dif 12%, 2014 Fin 11
5. *Hawks +Psn -3, +WL 0, +%dif 5%, 2014 Fin 2
6. Giants +Psn 11, +WL 5, +%dif 30%, 2014 Fin 16
7. *Crows +Psn 2, +WL 1, +%dif 3%, 2014 Fin 10
8. *Tigers +Psn 5, +WL 3, +%dif 11%, 2014 Fin 8
9. *Dogs +Psn 5, +WL 3, +%dif 22%, 2014 Fin 14
10. Cats +Psn -4, +WL -1, +%dif -3%, 2014 Fin 3
11. Kangas +Psn -3, +WL 0, +%dif -14%, 2014 Fin 6
12. Port +Psn -11, +WL -4, +%dif -46%, 2014 Fin 5
13. *Bombers +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif -18%, Fin 7
14. *Saints +Psn 2, +WL 1, +%dif 16%, 2014 Fin 18
15. Demons +Psn 0, +WL 1, +%dif -0%, 2014 Fin 17
16. *Blues +Psn -4, +WL -2, +%dif -18%, Fin 13
17. *Lions +Psn 1, +WL 0, +%dif 6%, 2014 Fin 15
18. *Suns +Psn -13, +WL -6, +%dif -41%, Fin 12

 

[Sunbot]

Hawks still in good position for another assault on the Flag. Dogs and Tigers placed well for finals. Giants following the trajectory of the Suns last year.
Port and Bombers look like it's over, but the Kangas showed a good back half of last season- can they do it again?

 

[Sunbot]

Good thread, Sunbot.

To be honest, I thought our first 11 rounds last year were better than our first 11 rounds this year but as our younger players have that extra year of experience and development, I'm sure we'll keep it up for the remainder of the year. Our next four are rough but I think we can get to 10-5 and from there, we should stay in the 8.

Couldn't agree more. We fell apart this time last year but it was mainly thru injury to key players. I am salivating in comparison when I read so few on our injury list. We have three priorities as I see it:
1. Try to win some of the games we are not expected to, re over the next 4 games.
2. Try to NOT slip up on the the remaining games against teams outside the 8. I always fear the upsets when we are favorite.
3. Try to get game time into our youth as every minute of senior games will add to our teamwork in 2016 which is when I see us having a major tilt.

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 13
1. Dockers +Psn 4, +WL 3, +%dif 10%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 4, +%dif 44%, 14Fin 9
3. Swans +Psn 0, +WL 0, +%dif -4%, 14Fin 1
4. Hawks +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif 6%, 14Fin 2
5. PIES +Psn 1, +WL 0, +%dif 9%, 14Fin 11
6. Tigers +Psn 9, +WL 4, +%dif 16%, 14Fin 8
7. Crows +Psn 3, +WL 1, +%dif 5%, 14Fin 10
8. Dogs +Psn 5, +WL 3, +%dif 20%, 14Fin 14

9. Giants +Psn 7, +WL 4, +%dif 25%, 14Fin 16
10. Cats +Psn -6, +WL -3, +%dif -13%, 14Fin 3
11. Kangas +Psn -4, +WL -1, +%dif -11%, 14Fin 6
12. Port +Psn -11, +WL -5, +%dif -46%, 14Fin 5
13. Bombers +Psn -4, +WL -2, +%dif -21%, 14Fin 7
14. Saints +Psn 4, +WL 1, +%dif 22%, 14Fin 18
15. Demons +Psn -1, +WL 0, +%dif -0%, 14Fin 17
16. Blues +Psn -4, +WL -1, +%dif -14%, 14Fin 13
17. Lions +Psn 0, +WL -1, +%dif 3%, 14Fin 15
18. Suns +Psn -10, +WL -6, +%dif -36%, 14Fin 12

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 14
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 3, +%dif 4%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 8, +WL 4, +%dif 44%, 14Fin 9
3. Swans +Psn 0, +WL -1, +%dif -6%, 14Fin 1
4. Hawks +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif 3%, 14Fin 2
5. PIES +Psn 1, +WL 0, +%dif 10%, 14Fin 11
6. Tigers +Psn 10, +WL 5, +%dif 17%, 14Fin 8
7. Dogs +Psn 6, +WL 4, +%dif 25%, 14Fin 14
8. Crows +Psn 3, +WL 1.5, +%dif 6%, 14Fin 10
9. Giants +Psn 5, +WL 3, +%dif 22%, 14Fin 16
10. Cats +Psn -5, +WL -2.5, +%dif -8%, 14Fin 3
11. Kangas +Psn -4, +WL -2, +%dif -19%, 14Fin 6
12. Port +Psn -11, +WL -6, +%dif -51%, 14Fin 5
13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2, +%dif 31%, 14Fin 18
14. Bombers +Psn -5, +WL -3, +%dif -29%, 14Fin 7
15. Demons +Psn 0, +WL 0, +%dif -1%, 14Fin 17
16. Blues +Psn -4, +WL -1, +%dif -14%, 14Fin 13
17. Suns +Psn -9, +WL -6, +%dif -33%, 14Fin 12
18. Lions +Psn -1, +WL -1, +%dif 6%, 14Fin 15

 

[TradeDraft]

Watching Port Game. I am hoping we don’t have another Bad Fall away in the 2nd Half Again

 

[Bucksboys]

Watching Port Game. I am hoping we don’t have another Bad Fall away in the 2nd Half Again

Wouldn't matter one bit, it's a great young list and when it enters it's window we'll be a very serious shot at multiple flags, this year is obviously about getting games into kids if we take the selection committee seriously

 

[TheWoodsOf72]

Wouldn't matter one bit, it's a great young list and when it enters it's window we'll be a very serious shot at multiple flags, this year is obviously about getting games into kids if we take the selection committee seriously

So you are telling us that tonights mess was a carefully planned stepping stone to glory?

 

[Bucksboys]

So you are telling us that tonights mess was a carefully planned stepping stone to glory?

Well you wouldn't really play Moore unless you were fast tracking, not with all the kids already in the side, we didn't even average 24yrs old tonight

 

[Sunbot]

Watching Port Game. I am hoping we don’t have another Bad Fall away in the 2nd Half Again

We are at a crossroad once again it seems. Only games I have confidence in are the Demons and Bombers. The rest are all losable prospects which could see is tumbling. Time for coach, team and that very important selection committee to get things right.

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 15 - 2/3rds through the season
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif -7%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 5, +%dif 46%, 14Fin 9
3. Swans +Psn 0, +WL 0, +%dif -7%, 14Fin 1
4. Hawks +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif 6%, 14Fin 2
5. Tigers +Psn 8, +WL 5, +%dif 16%, 14Fin 8
6. Dogs +Psn 6, +WL 4, +%dif 25%, 14Fin 14
Congratulations to Eagles, Tigers and Dogs. Upped their wins and %age and are set for finals. Dogs have the hardest run home re missing out.

7. PIES +Psn -1, +WL -1, +%dif 8%, 14Fin 11
Will the Pies tumble out again? No chocolates for honourable losses. Something needs to change so winnable games are not given away otherwise 2015 becomes a rerun of 2014.

8. Giants +Psn 8, +WL 4, +%dif 26%, 14Fin 16
9. Crows +Psn 0, +WL 0.5, +%dif -2%, 14Fin 10
10. Kangas +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif -14%, 14Fin 6
Spots in the 8 up for grabs. Kangas have the best draw going forward and having their coach is a plus after a pretty ordinary month. I don't like the Crows' draw.

11. Cats +Psn -6, +WL -3.5, +%dif -12%, 14Fin 3
12. Port +Psn -10, +WL -5, +%dif -44%, 14Fin 5
Not playing well these two. Have dropped off too much IMO to make the mathematical possibility of the 8 a reality.

13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2, +%dif 29%, 14Fin 18
14. Bombers +Psn -4, +WL -2, +%dif -26%, 14Fin 7
15. Demons +Psn 0, +WL 0, +%dif -1%, 14Fin 17
16. Blues +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif -14%, 14Fin 13
17. Suns +Psn -9, +WL -6, +%dif -29%, 14Fin 12
18. Lions +Psn -1, +WL -2, +%dif 4%, 14Fin 15
Upsets are possible from any of these as they look to 2016. Well done Saints who have obviously transitioned out of spoons. Suns are playing well and can sink the knife into many above them - does Ablett really make that much difference to how the rest play; yes! Bombers are lucky they got some early wins for they look down for the count. Toss up for the 2015 spoon - all I can say is at least Beams is playing well.

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 16
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif -9%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 6, +%dif 49%, 14Fin 9
3. Hawks +Psn -1, +WL 0, +%dif 17%, 14Fin 2
4. Swans +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif -20%, 14Fin 1
5. Tigers +Psn 7, +WL 5, +%dif 14%, 14Fin 8
6. Dogs +Psn 8, +WL 4, +%dif 24%, 14Fin 14
7. Giants +Psn 8, +WL 5, +%dif 29%, 14Fin 16
8. Crows +Psn 1, +WL 0.5, +%dif -7%, 14Fin 10

9. PIES +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif 5%, 14Fin 11
10. Kangas +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif -13%, 14Fin 6
11. Cats +Psn -6, +WL -3.5, +%dif -11%, 14Fin 3
12. Port +Psn -9, +WL -5, +%dif -42%, 14Fin 5

13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2, +%dif 30%, 14Fin 18
14. Bombers +Psn -4, +WL -3, +%dif -26%, 14Fin 7
15. Demons +Psn 1, +WL 1, +%dif 4%, 14Fin 17
16. Blues +Psn -3, +WL -2, +%dif -22%, 14Fin 13
17. Suns +Psn -9, +WL -7, +%dif -28%, 14Fin 12
18. Lions +Psn -1, +WL -2, +%dif 3%, 14Fin 15

We tumble like a tumbleweed.

 

[Bucksboys]

We are at a crossroad once again it seems. Only games I have confidence in are the Demons and Bombers. The rest are all losable prospects which could see is tumbling. Time for coach, team and that very important selection committee to get things right.

Good luck with that

Unavailable:

Cloke Elliott Adams Reid Goldsack Broomhead Sinclair Freeman Ramsay Macaffer Thomas Keeffe

 

[76woodenspooners]

Good luck with that

Unavailable:

Cloke Elliott Adams Reid Goldsack Broomhead Sinclair Freeman Ramsay Macaffer Thomas Keeffe

That would mean that we have 28 players available on our senior list to pick 22 from

And the rookie list isn't much help either with Armstrong, Abbott and Gault also out

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 17
1. Dockers +Psn 1, +WL 2, +%dif -16%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 6, +%dif 50%, 14Fin 9
3. Hawks +Psn 0, +WL 0, +%dif 17%, 14Fin 2
4. Swans +Psn -3, +WL -2, +%dif -31%, 14Fin 1
5. Tigers +Psn 7, +WL 4, +%dif 11%, 14Fin 8
6. Dogs +Psn 7, +WL 4, +%dif 22%, 14Fin 14
7. Crows +Psn 3, +WL 1.5, +%dif -2%, 14Fin 10
8. Kangas +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif -13%, 14Fin 6

9. Giants +Psn 6, +WL 5, +%dif 29%, 14Fin 16
10. Cats +Psn -6, +WL -3.5, +%dif -14%, 14Fin 3
11. PIES +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif 8%, 14Fin 11
12. Port +Psn -7, +WL -4, +%dif -35%, 14Fin 5

13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 3, +%dif 34%, 14Fin 18
14. Bombers +Psn -7, +WL -4, +%dif -30%, 14Fin 7
15. Demons +Psn 1, +WL 1, +%dif 6%, 14Fin 17
16. Blues +Psn -2, +WL -2, +%dif -23%, 14Fin 13
17. Suns +Psn -8, +WL -7, +%dif -27%, 14Fin 12
18. Lions +Psn -1, +WL -2, +%dif 0%, 14Fin 15

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 18
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 3, +%dif -6%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 6.5, +%dif 48%, 14Fin 9
3. Hawks +Psn -1, +WL -1, +%dif 26%, 14Fin 2
4. Swans +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif -23%, 14Fin 1
5. Dogs +Psn 9, +WL 5, +%dif 28%, 14Fin 14
6. Tigers +Psn 6, +WL 4, +%dif 11%, 14Fin 8
7. Kangas +Psn -1, +WL 0, +%dif -5%, 14Fin 6
8. Cats +Psn -5, +WL -3.5, +%dif -10%, 14Fin 3
This group of 8 might not change.

9. Crows +Psn -1, +WL 0.5, +%dif -7%, 14Fin 10
10. Giants +Psn 6, +WL 5, +%dif 27%, 14Fin 16
11. PIES +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif 6%, 14Fin 11
12. Port +Psn -7, +WL -4, +%dif -29%, 14Fin 5


13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2, +%dif 26%, 14Fin 18
14. Demons +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif 8%, 14Fin 17
15. Bombers +Psn -8, +WL -5, +%dif -34%, 14Fin 7
16. Blues +Psn -3, +WL -3, +%dif -26%, 14Fin 13
17. Suns +Psn -7, +WL -6.5, +%dif -22%, 14Fin 12
18. Lions +Psn -3, +WL -3, +%dif -5%, 14Fin 15

 

[Magpie Monopoly]

Well that went downhill quickly...

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 19
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 3, +%dif -3%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 5.5, +%dif 41%, 14Fin 9
3. Hawks +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif 20%, 14Fin 2
4. Dogs +Psn 10, +WL 6, +%dif 34%, 14Fin 14
5. Swans +Psn -3, +WL -2, +%dif -26%, 14Fin 1
6. Kangas +Psn 0, +WL 1, +%dif -0%, 14Fin 6
7. Tigers +Psn 5, +WL 3, +%dif 6%, 14Fin 8
8. Cats +Psn -5, +WL -3.5, +%dif -9%, 14Fin 3
9. Crows +Psn 1, +WL 1.5, +%dif -2%, 14Fin 10
Will there be a Swan dive? Their % is down this year and seem vulnerable. Really not much change in the top of the ladder from last year except the Doggies which appear to have swapped places with Port, the Eagles getting their act together and the Crows benefitting from the Bombers self capitulation.

10. Giants +Psn 6, +WL 6, +%dif 29%, 14Fin 16
11. PIES +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif 7%, 14Fin 11
Despite personnel changes the PIES haven't gone anywhere statistically unlike Port and the Bombers (who have an excuse). The difference between the Eagles and Pies is the story of 2015 for me. Last year both teams were plagued with injuries at key times. I was at the G when Maxwell (God bless his foresight) got Bucks to finally move Faz into the fwds and we scraped home. 2015 the Eagles fly with the team back together whereas Pies once again run out of puff with the transition to youth (and a few injuries thrown in).

12. Port +Psn -7, +WL -4, +%dif -32%, 14Fin 5
IMO Port have a problem and it starts with Voss.

13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2, +%dif 25%, 14Fin 18
14. Demons +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif 7%, 14Fin 17
15. Bombers +Psn -8, +WL -5, +%dif -32%, 14Fin 7
16. Suns +Psn -7, +WL -6.5, +%dif -23%, 14Fin 12
17. Blues +Psn -4, +WL -3, +%dif -25%, 14Fin 13
18. Lions +Psn -3, +WL -4, +%dif -6%, 14Fin 15
Thank you MM you did this to the Pies once and thank the Footy Gods you weren't able to do it twice!

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 20
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 3, +%dif -5%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 9, +WL 5, +%dif 36%, 14Fin 9
3. Hawks +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif 18%, 14Fin 2
4. Dogs +Psn 10, +WL 6, +%dif 38%, 14Fin 14
5. Swans +Psn -3, +WL -2, +%dif -27%, 14Fin 1
6. Tigers +Psn 6, +WL 3, +%dif 10%, 14Fin 8
7. Kangas +Psn -1, +WL 1, +%dif -3%, 14Fin 6
8. Crows +Psn -1, +WL 1.5, +%dif -1%, 14Fin 10
For what it's worth I look at the % improvement as the key indicator for finals. That leaves only 3 to knock off Hawks who must have one hand on it.

9. Cats +Psn -6, +WL -4.5, +%dif -11%, 14Fin 3
10. Giants +Psn 7, +WL 6, +%dif 30%, 14Fin 16
11. PIES +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif 10%, 14Fin 11
Strange things happen in the run to September. One of these 3 could limp in (seriously!!)

12. Port +Psn -7, +WL -3, +%dif -27%, 14Fin 5
13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2, +%dif 22%, 14Fin 18
14. Demons +Psn 2, +WL 2, +%dif 5%, 14Fin 17
15. Bombers +Psn -7, +WL -5, +%dif -34%, 14Fin 7
16. Suns +Psn -6, +WL -6.5, +%dif -24%, 14Fin 12
17. Lions +Psn -2, +WL -3, +%dif 2%, 14Fin 15
18. Blues +Psn -5, +WL -4, +%dif -29%, 14Fin 13
Why am I so happy? 3 guesses...

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 21
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif -7%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 10, +WL 6.5, +%dif 40%, 14Fin 9
3. Hawks +Psn 0, +WL -1, +%dif 16%, 14Fin 2
4. Swans +Psn -3, +WL -2, +%dif -25%, 14Fin 1
5. Tigers +Psn 4, +WL 3, +%dif 16%, 14Fin 8
6. Dogs +Psn 8, +WL 6, +%dif 33%, 14Fin 14
7. Kangas +Psn -1, +WL 1, +%dif -6%, 14Fin 6
8. Crows +Psn 0, +WL 2.5, +%dif 5%, 14Fin 10
When was the last time a team outside the 8 the previous year came through to win the flag? Eagles on track to repeat the Cats.

9. Cats +Psn -7, +WL -5, +%dif -11%, 14Fin 3
10. Port +Psn -5, +WL -3, +%dif -25%, 14Fin 5
11. Giants +Psn 5, +WL 5, +%dif 21%, 14Fin 16
12. PIES +Psn -2, +WL -1, +%dif 7%, 14Fin 11
Hopefully the Pies will get the benefit of their youth next year as Giants, Saints and Demons have shown. Finals would be nice like Dogs have shown.

13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2.5, +%dif 24%, 14Fin 18
14. Demons +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif 7%, 14Fin 17
15. Bombers +Psn -8, +WL -6, +%dif -33%, 14Fin 7
16. Suns +Psn -5, +WL -5.5, +%dif -22%, 14Fin 12
17. Blues +Psn -4, +WL -3, +%dif -27%, 14Fin 13
18. Lions +Psn -3, +WL -4, +%dif -5%, 14Fin 15

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 22
1. Dockers +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif -7%, 14Fin 4
2. Eagles +Psn 8, +WL 5.5, +%dif 28%, 14Fin 9
3. Hawks +Psn -1, +WL -1, +%dif 18%, 14Fin 2
4. Swans +Psn -3, +WL -2, +%dif -21%, 14Fin 1
With top 4 sewn up (barring unlikely hiccups), 3 of last year's 4 return to battle again, but the season has told a different story. % split the Swans, Hawks and Cats last year with 17 wins, with Dockers on 16. The Dockers improve this by 3 to take the MP but their scoring is down dropping the% as the defense is about the same. Equal on %, Swans have leaked a few in defense and have dropped away on offense resulting in 3 more lost games. I'm expecting a dour QF, Swans need Buddy to fire up as a bit of X-factor will win this IMO.
Hawks offense is on par, but they cleaned up their defense big time cf 2014. Eagles comparison befits them getting over 2014 injuries which stopped them from playing finals: they have tightened defense, upped their scoring and naturally won the games they dropped last year. Cracker QF coming up as their last loss to Hawks was without Natanui.
5. Tigers +Psn 3, +WL 3, +%dif 16%, 14Fin 8
6. Dogs +Psn 8, +WL 7, +%dif 36%, 14Fin 14
7. Crows +Psn 4, +WL 3.5, +%dif 9%, 14Fin 10
8. Kangas +Psn -2, +WL 0, +%dif -7%, 14Fin 6
On their day any of these teams are dangerous, but do they do enough to go the next step? Tigers offense is tracking about the same and their % and wins reflects improved defense. A loss to Kangas (at Etihad for a Tigers home game?) will send their EF to Adelaide but a win might have them replay the Kangas at the MCG - that's an incentive! The Kangas have slightly upped their scoring but their defense is leaking goals cf 2014. If the Kangas do win they get the pleasure and much better prospect of facing the Dogs (they just lost to) but this time at the MCG - will the Shinboner spirit get them up in the last H&A game (I've seen it before)?
Adelaide have held the back end of the season together, bit down on scoring but much better defensively. Danger is going to show the Cats how much money they need to fork out as I expect him to tear them a new one. If Tigers go down on Friday Crows will be playing for a home EF v Tigers or a trip to Etihad to meet the Dogs (remember rnd4?). If Tigers get up then (win or lose to the Cats) they play Dogs at Etihad or Tigers at the MCG.
The Dogs are the big mover on the ladder. They have upped both the offense and particularly defense. If the Tigers do the Kangas, the Lions are in for a hell of a game next week as the Dogs will know exactly what score they need to grab 5th spot for a rerun at the Kangas.
9. Port +Psn -4, +WL -3, +%dif -29%, 14Fin 5
10. Giants +Psn 6, +WL 6, +%dif 25%, 14Fin 16
11. Cats +Psn -8, +WL -5, +%dif -12%, 14Fin 3
12. PIES +Psn -3, +WL -1, +%dif 9%, 14Fin 11
Both Port and Cats drifted out of finals for two very different reasons. Whilst Port is down on both offense and defense they have pulled themselves together since the Win against the PIES. Threw the season away by half time. Cats on the other hand are only slightly down in defense but seriously their offense has collapsed cf 2014. No wonder they went mental over getting Menzel on his feet.
The Giants improve is no surprise. Their offense is settling on a steady improve but their defensive improvement shows Shaw and Patful making a big difference. 2013 let 444.326.2990 thru, 2014 let 344.256.2320 in.2015 so far only 264.255.1839!
PIES: defense tracking similar to last year but offense improved which translates to the %. Lost the close games that normally comes with that but treaded water on the ladder whilst in transition.
13. Saints +Psn 5, +WL 2.5, +%dif 20%, 14Fin 18
14. Demons +Psn 3, +WL 2, +%dif 7%, 14Fin 17
15. Bombers +Psn -8, +WL -7, +%dif -34%, 14Fin 7
16. Suns +Psn -4, +WL -5.5, +%dif -22%, 14Fin 12
17. Blues +Psn -4, +WL -3, +%dif -24%, 14Fin 13
18. Lions +Psn -3, +WL -4, +%dif -5%, 14Fin 15
Saints in transition - huge % improvement in both offense and defense. Demons benefitting from others falling away - their offense is up but defense has fallen apart might be interested in experienced backline talent - is Young a possible trade?)
Not much point in reasoning the decline of the Bombers. Suns and Blues went backwards in both defense and offense collapsing, compounded by injuries. Lions about the same as last year in offense but down in defense with Patful gone.

 

[Sunbot]

ROUND 23
Strange round where a few teams tinked (AD declared that there was no tanking in AFL so I'll just use the term tink). Therefore most of my comments last round hold as in the words of Pendles it was a bit different playing when it didn't mean anything - oh the outrage that is missing given the performance of some teams this weekend.
1. Dockers up 3, +WL 1, +%dif -12%,
2. Eagles up 7, +WL 5.5, +%dif 31%,
3. Hawks down 1, +WL -1, +%dif 18%,
4. Swans down -3, +WL -1, +%dif -16%,
Dockers, Eagles and Swans set up the season in the first 5 rounds and held it together from there. Hawks sweep in from a shakey start. Top 4 first shown at round 13 as the PIES start to slide.
5. Tigers up 3, +WL 3, +%dif 17%,
6. Dogs up 8, +WL 7, +%dif 33%,
7. Crows up 3, +WL 2.5, +%dif 2%,
Three teams on the rise, Tigers beating sides above Dogs and Crows beating up those below.Top 6 positions first shown at round 15, but if you discount the PIES actually the final ladder down to the Crows at round 14 or round 13 with Dogs below Crows. If you also discount the Giants early run then the final top 7 teams were thereabouts in Round 12. Says a lot for winning the first half of the season AND defending it in the second half (PIES and Giants a bit inexperienced?).
8. Kangas down 2, +WL -1, +%dif -11%,
9. Port down 4, +WL -2, +%dif -23%,
10. Cats down 7, +WL -5, +%dif -13%,
Three teams on the slide. All started poorly and were in a band 9-13 waiting to snatch a finals spot if teams above then ran out of puff. First the Bombers tumbled, then the PIES and finally the Giants succumbed. Kangas had the draw to scrape in in Round 17 and hold despite late surges by Cats and Port.
11. Giants up 5, +WL 5, +%dif 22%,
12. PIES down 1, +WL -1, +%dif 12%,
13. Demons up 4, +WL 3, +%dif 9%,
14. Saints up 4, +WL 2.5, +%dif 18%,
Bottom 3 sides from 2014 plus PIES in transition all improved their %age with Giants and PIES showing that they can contend for finals if they hold the back end of the season together. Demons and Saints are a bit further away benefitting from the implosions of the next four teams.
15. Bombers down 8, +WL -6, +%dif -32%,
16. Suns down 4, +WL -5.5, +%dif -21%,
17. Lions down 2, +WL -3, +%dif -2%,
18. Blues down 5, +WL -3, +%dif -25%,
Off field dramas spell the end for any team be it substances, problem coaches, injured captains, playing list and culture. sum it up in one phrase: delusional until reality sinks in. Amazing that the Demons escaped this and their fans are still complaining!