IMHO, our list is good enough to challenge for a top 4 again, assuming of course, Pav, MacPharlin and Sandi maintain their high standard and output. We may even still be a strong contender for the finals, assuming we have a better run with suspension and injuries.
But let's be honest here, if we compare ourselves to Hawthorne and Sydney (and maybe Port?), we are still 1or 2 good players short of being on the same level as them. Even if we made PF or GF with our current list, we'll still be hard pressed to beat either of them in MCG.
The question is, are we happy just to be in contention next year, or do we want to make a hard push for the flag. If we are, we'll need to make some big trades this trade/FA period.
Agree with all of the above but don't see much value in any player the Egos would be willing to trade out. Better off developing our own players for the long term and hope for a big trade elsewhere for the short term.