2006 - predictions

[zafa23]

Realistically how far will we go next year?

Most likely 10th-12th again. Yes we will be replenished by the likes of a fit Mcphee, a fit Solomon, a fit Rioli (is that possible?) and Rama but I still think our youngsters are too young for us to seriously challenge the finals.

ATM only Stanton has truly turned the corner into a solid, consistent performer.
Bradley, Lovett should be close to doing the same (but aren't).
NLM, I dont think will improve much more.
Dyson and Monfries have shown their potential, we'll need them to take the next step in 2006.
Way too early to even guess how Slattery, Nash, Thomas will go.

Stating the obvious, but Hille will have a huge impact on our performance.

If we get a dream run with injuries we may come close to the finals but given our recent history we'll probably end up with a couple of big name injuries.

I won't be surprised if we do sneak into the finals, but taking into account injuries and factors such as our over-realiance on Fletch, and our inability to shut down power forwards, realistically we will just miss out.

 

[dougthelegend]

I'd be dissappointed if we didnt make the finals next year. Realistically, we are a good show of making the finals - a lot depends on how we got in trade week, and if the youngsters step up.

Personally, i think that this season has been good for the future. The younger players have got a lot of experience they probably shouldn't have been getting this early, but it all bodes well for the future. In a couple of years time, with the likes of Lovett, Bradley, Stanton etc. we should be a real force.

 

[austinthedog]

we will be around the mark next year, i'm guessing lower half of the eight, perhaps may just miss out. i dont think we should be looking for miracles next year, realistically we sould be aiming for 2 - 3 years with these kids. need to pick up some experience in the mid field to offset hird leaving and to take pressure of the johnsons.

 

[Longy413]

The way I like to look at it is -
We are likely to finish three wins out of the 8. We nearly beat WCE, Sydney, Brisbane, Port and had wins against St Kilda, Geelong, Fremantle.
Those teams make up the majority of the top 8.
We also had narrow losses early in the year to Carlton and Sydney.
We know our best footy is pretty bloody good.

Will the inclusions of McPhee, Rama, Solly (Zantuck, Johns????) etc and the improvement of our young players, plus whatever we do in trade week/draft be enough for us to turn a few of those losses into wins?

If it is, we should make the finals.

In my opinion, to stay were we are would be a disapointment.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

I will be expecting finals next year and will be very disappointed if we don't make it. I think Sheeds has done an admirable job of turning over the team (without tanking or PPs thanks very much) and I think we'll be back in the hunt next year.