2017 Ladder Predictions

[Big Animal]

1: GWS
2: Sydney
3: Adelaide
4: Bulldogs
5: West Coast
6: Geelong
7: St Kilda
8: Hawthorn
----------
9: Melbourne
10: Fremantle
11: Essendon
12: Collingwood
13: North Melb
14: Richmond
15: Port Adel
16: Carlton
17: Gold Coast
18: Brisbane

 

[Bazza97]

So I've done a top 8 instead of the full ladder as placing the teams outside the 8 I found was really difficult so I'm expecting a very even year next year. To make up for not doing a full ladder i decided to do profiles of the teams i see that will make the top 8. Keep in mind I haven't considered the inevitable injuries that will happen to some players which may affect a club's season depending on how important that player is. So for example when I was deciding whether Collingwood would be in my top 8 i considered all of the players that are not currently injured. I used Collingwood as an example due to it's unforeseen high injury list this year during the season. Also I apologise if this is too long for some to read I just felt I had to justify my ladder positions.

1. GWS GIANTS - Very balanced team all over the ground. The GIANTS have absolutely everything you need in a football team with no glaring weaknesses and they have the necessary depth to cover for most players. Based on this, GIANTS should be top two at least and will probably compete with the Swans for top spot. Could go either way but the GIANTS still have plenty of room for improvement in it's younger players both in and out of the best 22. If there is one weakness of the GIANTS it would be a slight reliance on Mumford as a ruckman who is known to make the younger GIANTS walk taller when he is on the ground due to his physicality and ability as a ruckman. Their biggest improver could be Jacob Hopper who would add further grunt to the midfield and in his first game he had 17 contested possessions, 9 clearances and 7 inside fifties from 32 disposals against the SUNS.
2. Sydney Swans - Definitely the best contested team in the comp and i can't see that changing all too much and as well as having Franklin in their forward fifty who will have support in Kurt Tippett and possibly Sam Reid, I expect a probable top two finish or at the very least top 4. However, the Swans do have a heavy reliance on Franklin to kick their goals but I reckon the Swans will get away with it as other players such as the key forwards i mentioned above as well as Tom Papley will contribute on the scoreboard more than this year. Also the SCG is a cauldron for opposing teams as the Swans only lost two games both by less than a goal in the home & away season. For me their biggest improver could be Papley as I reckon he's got the ability to kick 40+ goals next year and he looks like a player who would thrive on the big stage.
3. St Kilda - My bolter for next year. I reckon their forward line will benefit immensely as their high pressure, quick ball movement and transition will allow their marking forwards the best opportunity to kick goals. A lot of things would have to go right for the Saints to become a top 4 side but if their midfield breaks even in the contested ball more often than not they will give themselves a big opportunity to do so. The key defenders are also a slight worry but if the midfield's pressure is on it should help the defenders a great deal. Also out of all the sides outside the top 8 the Saints it's fair to say are the hardest team to play at their home deck Etihad which makes me think they're the side most likely to make a big jump. Paddy McCartin could be the biggest improver for the Saints as I think he's ready to impact the scoreboard as a full forward but for me the only query is whether he stays on the park.
4. Western Bulldogs - Despite winning the premiership, the Bulldogs still have plenty of scope to improve. It's still got one of the youngest lists in the competition but that hasn't stopped the Bulldogs becoming one of the best contested sides in the league. It's mix of grunt, speed and pressure makes the Bulldogs a fearsome side to play against especially at Etihad which suits their game perfectly. One query I have over the Bulldogs is their forward line with Crameri and Cloke coming in it's an unknown how they'll perform and the same can be said about Tom Boyd despite his outstanding performance in the Grand Final which could be a sign of things to come next year. However, despite their perceived forward line issues in the final series, the Bulldogs had no problems and if their key forwards don't perform to the expectations of some I think they will still play well and make the top 4. It's fair to say that the Bulldogs and the Saints could switch positions but to me the slight uncertainty of the Bulldogs forward line has the Saints slightly ahead. The biggest improver of the side could very well be Tom Boyd. If the Bulldogs have a key forward who can impact the scoreboard to work around it would make it easier to set up structurally and there would be less of a reliance on the smaller players to impact the scoreboard.
5. Adelaide Crows - Like the GIANTS, the Crows have a well balanced team. May be stiff to miss out on top 4, but I reckon we may have seen the best of this current Crows team this year. However, the Crows still have a team capable of inflicting some finals damage. Their forward line is still dangerous and structurally is probably the best in the comp as they were the highest scoring team this year. For me on paper this team looks like it should be entrenched in the top 4 but it doesn't deliver at the crucial moments. To be fair though they were within a whisker this year. For the Crows to make top 4 next year, Betts and Jenkins will have to have similar scoring outputs from this year into next year but that I reckon may be a big ask. Otherwise other forwards will have to pick up the slack which would be the ideal option imo. Brad Crouch looks like he could improve the Crows midfield next year. After playing no games in 2015, Crouch looks like he is on the right track to fulfil his talent by playing 16 games this year and performing well in the midfield and if he can improve his influence both on the inside and outside he could be right up there with Sloane.
6. Melbourne - At times an exciting team to watch with quick ball movement, the Demons need to improve their consistency. I reckon they will achieve that next year through the continued development of it's younger players which will reduce the load on some of it's senior players. The amount of development left in some of it's younger players has me convinced that this side should finish the year at least in the top 8. However, there's no clear strength of the Demons imo which is why I don't have them in the top 4 like the Saints and all the other sides I have in that bracket. However, over time the midfield will probably become the strength of the Demons as some of it's younger midfielders develop. Next year might be too soon for these players to develop into full time midfielders who perform at a high level. Also Melbourne unlike the top 4 sides i have for next year haven't made the MCG a dominant home ground as of yet, with improved performances at their home ground Melbourne should at the very least make the top 8. The biggest improver of the Demons might be Clayton Oliver who still needs to develop his tank so he can spend more time in the midfield. If he does that he would add more grunt to the improving midfield of the Demons and make a positive impact.
7. Geelong Cats - A team that is very hard to stop when it's midfield is dominating. Could swap the Demons and the Cats positions but there is a few queries I have regarding the Cats. However, starting with the positives, a midfield that contains Dangerfield and Selwood can cause havoc to every team with their dominance in the clearances. You can argue that they are the best midfield duo in the comp and when they are on, the Cats can beat any team. However, Geelong's greatest strength can also be it's greatest weakness as there does seem to be a heavy reliance on these two to get the job done. But if you were Tom Hawkins, you would love to have Dangerwood in your team with their quick clearances making Hawkins job easier to get marks and harder for opposing defenders. Another query I have of Geelong is it's forward line though. Hawkins is by far the best forward in the club and there is also quite a heavy reliance on him as well to get the job down. Menzel and Motlop provide support on the scoreboard but there's no guarantee that both will improve their scoreboard impact and both had really good years in terms of how many goals they got which may make it hard to replicate. Other players will need to contribute and that's why Nakia Cockatoo may be the next big improver down at Geelong. Cockatoo who is quick and good overhead has flair that will excite Cats fans for many years and he may be the player that can contribute in the forward line and improve the spread of goal kickers as well.
8. West Coast Eagles - Which Eagles are we going to get? the 2015 version? Or the 2016 version or worse? I reckon we will get something more so resembling the 2016 version. The Eagles to me look like an all round good team but not currently good enough for top 4. They do possess the best full forward in the game atm and a good foil at centre half forward but it's not enough for me to have them higher. However, they do have players that can immediately improve the team if they show their best form at their previous clubs such as Sam Mitchell, Jack Redden and Lewis Jetta in the midfield. Both of these players can reduce the pressure on players like Priddis and Gaff and make it a better team. If these players can replicate their previous club form then the Eagles could climb a couple of spots or if some of the younger players develop faster than expected, sneaking into the top 4 is not out of the question. In order to stay in the 8 or possibly make top 4, the Eagles will have to improve their record away from home as their record at Subiaco is outstanding with only 1 loss this year and only 2 the previous year. The one player who can improve the Eagles in terms of younger players is Liam Duggan. Despite not improving on his first year as much as he would have liked, Duggan is a classy player who should improve with a 3rd season under his belt should he remain fit during the pre-season. He would add extra class to the Eagles and his delivery inside 50 would be much appreciated from Kennedy and Darling and the other forwards in the side.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Good work Bazza97 but may I suggest editing it to add a space in between each team/ladder position? Will make it much easier to read and ensure that more will read it.

 

[B4Bear]

GWS
Bulldogs
Sydney
Adelaide
West Coast
Fremantle
St.Kilda
Essendon
*******************
Geelong
Melbourne
Hawthorn
Gold Coast
Collingwood
Port
Carlton
Richmond
Brisbane
North


Premiers: Bulldogs
Norm Smith: Not sure but out of: Libba, Bont, Macrae, Dalhauus, Picken, T. Boyd, Johannisen, E.Wood, Biggs, Dunkey.
Wooden Spoon: North
Coleman Medal: Buddy Franklin
Brownlow: Danger, Botempelli tie.
Sacked Coaches: Hardwick, Buckley.

Lol, I know there is a pathological hatred of North amongst the Dogs' supporters, but the wooden spoon, really?

 

[Bazza97]

Good work Bazza97 but may I suggest editing it to add a space in between each team/ladder position? Will make it much easier to read and ensure that more will read it.

yeah good idea thanks mate

 

[Bazza97]

So i wasn't able to edit my previous post so I've reposted it with spaces in-between each ladder position

1. GWS GIANTS - Very balanced team all over the ground. The GIANTS have absolutely everything you need in a football team with no glaring weaknesses and they have the necessary depth to cover for most players. Based on this, GIANTS should be top two at least and will probably compete with the Swans for top spot. Could go either way but the GIANTS still have plenty of room for improvement in it's younger players both in and out of the best 22. If there is one weakness of the GIANTS it would be a slight reliance on Mumford as a ruckman who is known to make the younger GIANTS walk taller when he is on the ground due to his physicality and ability as a ruckman. Their biggest improver could be Jacob Hopper who would add further grunt to the midfield and in his first game he had 17 contested possessions, 9 clearances and 7 inside fifties from 32 disposals against the SUNS.

2. Sydney Swans - Definitely the best contested team in the comp and i can't see that changing all too much and as well as having Franklin in their forward fifty who will have support in Kurt Tippett and possibly Sam Reid, I expect a probable top two finish or at the very least top 4. However, the Swans do have a heavy reliance on Franklin to kick their goals but I reckon the Swans will get away with it as other players such as the key forwards i mentioned above as well as Tom Papley will contribute on the scoreboard more than this year. Also the SCG is a cauldron for opposing teams as the Swans only lost two games both by less than a goal in the home & away season. For me their biggest improver could be Papley as I reckon he's got the ability to kick 40+ goals next year and he looks like a player who would thrive on the big stage.

3. St Kilda - My bolter for next year. I reckon their forward line will benefit immensely as their high pressure, quick ball movement and transition will allow their marking forwards the best opportunity to kick goals. A lot of things would have to go right for the Saints to become a top 4 side but if their midfield breaks even in the contested ball more often than not they will give themselves a big opportunity to do so. The key defenders are also a slight worry but if the midfield's pressure is on it should help the defenders a great deal. Also out of all the sides outside the top 8 the Saints it's fair to say are the hardest team to play at their home deck Etihad which makes me think they're the side most likely to make a big jump. Paddy McCartin could be the biggest improver for the Saints as I think he's ready to impact the scoreboard as a full forward but for me the only query is whether he stays on the park.

4. Western Bulldogs - Despite winning the premiership, the Bulldogs still have plenty of scope to improve. It's still got one of the youngest lists in the competition but that hasn't stopped the Bulldogs becoming one of the best contested sides in the league. It's mix of grunt, speed and pressure makes the Bulldogs a fearsome side to play against especially at Etihad which suits their game perfectly. One query I have over the Bulldogs is their forward line with Crameri and Cloke coming in it's an unknown how they'll perform and the same can be said about Tom Boyd despite his outstanding performance in the Grand Final which could be a sign of things to come next year. However, despite their perceived forward line issues in the final series, the Bulldogs had no problems and if their key forwards don't perform to the expectations of some I think they will still play well and make the top 4. It's fair to say that the Bulldogs and the Saints could switch positions but to me the slight uncertainty of the Bulldogs forward line has the Saints slightly ahead. The biggest improver of the side could very well be Tom Boyd. If the Bulldogs have a key forward who can impact the scoreboard to work around it would make it easier to set up structurally and there would be less of a reliance on the smaller players to impact the scoreboard.

5. Adelaide Crows - Like the GIANTS, the Crows have a well balanced team. May be stiff to miss out on top 4, but I reckon we may have seen the best of this current Crows team this year. However, the Crows still have a team capable of inflicting some finals damage. Their forward line is still dangerous and structurally is probably the best in the comp as they were the highest scoring team this year. For me on paper this team looks like it should be entrenched in the top 4 but it doesn't deliver at the crucial moments. To be fair though they were within a whisker this year. For the Crows to make top 4 next year, Betts and Jenkins will have to have similar scoring outputs from this year into next year but that I reckon may be a big ask. Otherwise other forwards will have to pick up the slack which would be the ideal option imo. Brad Crouch looks like he could improve the Crows midfield next year. After playing no games in 2015, Crouch looks like he is on the right track to fulfil his talent by playing 16 games this year and performing well in the midfield and if he can improve his influence both on the inside and outside he could be right up there with Sloane.

6. Melbourne - At times an exciting team to watch with quick ball movement, the Demons need to improve their consistency. I reckon they will achieve that next year through the continued development of it's younger players which will reduce the load on some of it's senior players. The amount of development left in some of it's younger players has me convinced that this side should finish the year at least in the top 8. However, there's no clear strength of the Demons imo which is why I don't have them in the top 4 like the Saints and all the other sides I have in that bracket. However, over time the midfield will probably become the strength of the Demons as some of it's younger midfielders develop. Next year might be too soon for these players to develop into full time midfielders who perform at a high level. Also Melbourne unlike the top 4 sides i have for next year haven't made the MCG a dominant home ground as of yet, with improved performances at their home ground Melbourne should at the very least make the top 8. The biggest improver of the Demons might be Clayton Oliver who still needs to develop his tank so he can spend more time in the midfield. If he does that he would add more grunt to the improving midfield of the Demons and make a positive impact.

7. Geelong Cats - A team that is very hard to stop when it's midfield is dominating. Could swap the Demons and the Cats positions but there is a few queries I have regarding the Cats. However, starting with the positives, a midfield that contains Dangerfield and Selwood can cause havoc to every team with their dominance in the clearances. You can argue that they are the best midfield duo in the comp and when they are on, the Cats can beat any team. However, Geelong's greatest strength can also be it's greatest weakness as there does seem to be a heavy reliance on these two to get the job done. But if you were Tom Hawkins, you would love to have Dangerwood in your team with their quick clearances making Hawkins job easier to get marks and harder for opposing defenders. Another query I have of Geelong is it's forward line though. Hawkins is by far the best forward in the club and there is also quite a heavy reliance on him as well to get the job down. Menzel and Motlop provide support on the scoreboard but there's no guarantee that both will improve their scoreboard impact and both had really good years in terms of how many goals they got which may make it hard to replicate. Other players will need to contribute and that's why Nakia Cockatoo may be the next big improver down at Geelong. Cockatoo who is quick and good overhead has flair that will excite Cats fans for many years and he may be the player that can contribute in the forward line and improve the spread of goal kickers as well.

8. West Coast Eagles - Which Eagles are we going to get? the 2015 version? Or the 2016 version or worse? I reckon we will get something more so resembling the 2016 version. The Eagles to me look like an all round good team but not currently good enough for top 4. They do possess the best full forward in the game atm and a good foil at centre half forward but it's not enough for me to have them higher. However, they do have players that can immediately improve the team if they show their best form at their previous clubs such as Sam Mitchell, Jack Redden and Lewis Jetta in the midfield. Both of these players can reduce the pressure on players like Priddis and Gaff and make it a better team. If these players can replicate their previous club form then the Eagles could climb a couple of spots or if some of the younger players develop faster than expected, sneaking into the top 4 is not out of the question. In order to stay in the 8 or possibly make top 4, the Eagles will have to improve their record away from home as their record at Subiaco is outstanding with only 1 loss this year and only 2 the previous year. The one player who can improve the Eagles in terms of younger players is Liam Duggan. Despite not improving on his first year as much as he would have liked, Duggan is a classy player who should improve with a 3rd season under his belt should he remain fit during the pre-season. He would add extra class to the Eagles and his delivery inside 50 would be much appreciated from Kennedy and Darling and the other forwards in the side.

 

[rooboy29]

Lol, I know there is a pathological hatred of North amongst the Dogs' supporters, but the wooden spoon, really?

Its laughable really! think we will only miss boomer and wells and to be honest we had better years without wells previously! cant wait to see what next year holds and i cant see us dropping away as many believe. we missed over 180 games through injuries last year and with something like 15 or 16 games where we had an in game injury!

 

[Bring-Back-Powell]

True, but maybe it will be Bruce, McCartin or Membrey cashing in instead and next time around we may have Carlisle, Hickey, McCartin, Brown, Stevens, Dunstan, Webster, Gresham and Steele (probably 9 of our best 24 or 25) available to us (none of whom played in R23), while you have lost Hanley and Merrett from that team that had 160 points kicked against them!

I don't think Brisbane bothered to try in that Rd 23 game v st kilda.

 

[Skipper_]

1. GWS
2. Western Bulldogs
3. Sydney
4. Adelaide
5. St Kilda
6. Melbourne
7. Essendon
8. Geelong
9. Fremantle
10. West Coast
11. Hawthorn
12. Collingwood
13. Richmond
14. Port Adelaide
15. North Melbourne
16. Gold Coast
17. Carlton
18. Brisbane

 

[little graham]

Adelaide, West coast, Sydney are bankers.

Footscray, GWS, Fremantle next most likely.

Hawthorn, Collingwood, Port adelaide behind them.

Wild cards would be North and st kilda.

 

[TedDougChris]

Lol, I know there is a pathological hatred of North amongst the Dogs' supporters, but the wooden spoon, really?

It'd be a pretty spectacular fall from grace, given the issues some of the bottom sides have with list quality for you to finish last next year..... Quite long odds I would have thought....

 

[Simba Moyo]

I don't think Brisbane bothered to try in that Rd 23 game v st kilda.

Hey now! We tried enough to not be wooden spooners (; losing by 10+ goals and minorly improving our percentage is a special thing

 

[aussierulesrules]

I don't think Brisbane bothered to try in that Rd 23 game v st kilda.

While neither club were playing like their lives depended on it, they tried plenty. I was there and was impressed with the fact that they had a crack all day long to the final siren and never threw in the towel. Could have easily rolled over once they got out to over 10 goals down, but they didn't.

 

[boydee]

Its laughable really! think we will only miss boomer and wells and to be honest we had better years without wells previously! cant wait to see what next year holds and i cant see us dropping away as many believe. we missed over 180 games through injuries last year and with something like 15 or 16 games where we had an in game injury!

Loss of experience. Lack of quality leaders. Young talent under 24 yo is very average. Will be monstered by the better sides and cop some dreadful hidings. The only team North will beat is Brisbane at home.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Its laughable really! think we will only miss boomer and wells and to be honest we had better years without wells previously! cant wait to see what next year holds and i cant see us dropping away as many believe. we missed over 180 games through injuries last year and with something like 15 or 16 games where we had an in game injury!

Yes, you did get injuries in the 2nd half of the year, but surely the fact that pre-injuries you won 9-0 but that after they started to hit you only won 3 from 12 suggests that there isn't enough quality depth on the list to cover for key personnel losses? WB copped a heap of injuries as well, yet they didn't fall off a cliff.

And now you've lost 5 who between them played 42 of a possible 45 games during that 9-0 period of the season. So 5 who were comfortably best 22 and extremely experienced, 3 of whom brought so much of the class, speed and skill to your team. Jarrod Waite was also in sparkling, career-best form during that 9-0 period, but will be 34yo before the start of next season and has been very inconsistent throughout his career, so it remains to be seen how he'll go next year and if he's able to recapture that early-2016 form that played such a big part in you being a good team.

An easier draw in 2017 will certainly help, as will another preseason into the young ones who are in or around the best 22, but there will be a lot of teams coming hard for your spot in the 8, so it will take a hell of an effort to hang onto it.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

It will get very ugly for the Hawks- basically sold this and next years draft for O'Meara.

Hawthorn debuted 7 youngsters in 2016, and will still have 12 triple premiership players available for the best 22 in 2017.

J.Roughead
T.Mitchell
J.O'Meara
T.Vickery

That's some handy additions in amongst the youngsters who will be pushing for even more opportunity.

 

[Trav 20]

Hawthorn debuted 7 youngsters in 2016, and will still have 12 triple premiership players available for the best 22 in 2017.

J.Roughead
T.Mitchell
J.O'Meara
T.Vickery

That's some handy additions in amongst the youngsters who will be pushing for even more opportunity.

Games of footy are still won in the middle from the contest out. The reason Hawthorn went awry in 2016, although they were flattered by all of those close losses, is their midfield was becoming non-competitive in contests. Clarkson played it down, but internally they would have been concerned.

You've now lost your two best mids to compound matters.

You're right to say there's still quality all over the ground, but unless Hawthorn can start competing in the engine room it wouldn't surprise to see them either just make or just miss the eight.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Games of footy are still won in the middle from the contest out. The reason Hawthorn went awry in 2016, although they were flattered by all of those close losses, is their midfield was becoming non-competitive in contests. Clarkson played it down, but internally they would have been concerned.

You've now lost your two best mids to compound matters.

You're right to say there's still quality all over the ground, but unless Hawthorn can start competing in the engine room it wouldn't surprise to see them either just make our just miss the eight.

And they've been replaced by two mids with 10+ years ahead of them, so let's not forget that T.Mitchell and O'Meara are both seriously good players(early reports on O'Meara are very positive).

The "flattered by close wins" argument is a really easy call to make in hindsight when Hawthorn don't become the premiers, but those wins were still very good examples of a great side doing everything right in crucial moments.

Hawthorn lost to the eventual Premiers by 1pt more than the runners up did on the big day. Do we say Sydney's close wins against Carlton, North and Brisbane flattered them? No, of course we don't.


People couldn't get their head around Clarkson's attitude towards the contested ball numbers, but even during that final against the Dogs his side continued to ignore the contested ball numbers and open up a 4 goal lead halfway through the second quarter. Dogs momentum late in games was ultimately too much for a number of sides.
Worth noting that had Isaac Smith kicked truly against the Cats, the 52 contested possession differential would've been laughed at.

Regardless, Clarkson knows the contested ball numbers have to improve and I have little doubt that they will.

As much as people may want it to be the case Hawthorn just aren't going to free fall down the ladder when Clarkson is still in charge and has so much talent at his disposal.

 

[Proper Gander]

So i wasn't able to edit my previous post so I've reposted it with spaces in-between each ladder position

1. GWS GIANTS - Very balanced team all over the ground. The GIANTS have absolutely everything you need in a football team with no glaring weaknesses and they have the necessary depth to cover for most players. Based on this, GIANTS should be top two at least and will probably compete with the Swans for top spot. Could go either way but the GIANTS still have plenty of room for improvement in it's younger players both in and out of the best 22. If there is one weakness of the GIANTS it would be a slight reliance on Mumford as a ruckman who is known to make the younger GIANTS walk taller when he is on the ground due to his physicality and ability as a ruckman. Their biggest improver could be Jacob Hopper who would add further grunt to the midfield and in his first game he had 17 contested possessions, 9 clearances and 7 inside fifties from 32 disposals against the SUNS.

2. Sydney Swans - Definitely the best contested team in the comp and i can't see that changing all too much and as well as having Franklin in their forward fifty who will have support in Kurt Tippett and possibly Sam Reid, I expect a probable top two finish or at the very least top 4. However, the Swans do have a heavy reliance on Franklin to kick their goals but I reckon the Swans will get away with it as other players such as the key forwards i mentioned above as well as Tom Papley will contribute on the scoreboard more than this year. Also the SCG is a cauldron for opposing teams as the Swans only lost two games both by less than a goal in the home & away season. For me their biggest improver could be Papley as I reckon he's got the ability to kick 40+ goals next year and he looks like a player who would thrive on the big stage.

3. St Kilda - My bolter for next year. I reckon their forward line will benefit immensely as their high pressure, quick ball movement and transition will allow their marking forwards the best opportunity to kick goals. A lot of things would have to go right for the Saints to become a top 4 side but if their midfield breaks even in the contested ball more often than not they will give themselves a big opportunity to do so. The key defenders are also a slight worry but if the midfield's pressure is on it should help the defenders a great deal. Also out of all the sides outside the top 8 the Saints it's fair to say are the hardest team to play at their home deck Etihad which makes me think they're the side most likely to make a big jump. Paddy McCartin could be the biggest improver for the Saints as I think he's ready to impact the scoreboard as a full forward but for me the only query is whether he stays on the park.

4. Western Bulldogs - Despite winning the premiership, the Bulldogs still have plenty of scope to improve. It's still got one of the youngest lists in the competition but that hasn't stopped the Bulldogs becoming one of the best contested sides in the league. It's mix of grunt, speed and pressure makes the Bulldogs a fearsome side to play against especially at Etihad which suits their game perfectly. One query I have over the Bulldogs is their forward line with Crameri and Cloke coming in it's an unknown how they'll perform and the same can be said about Tom Boyd despite his outstanding performance in the Grand Final which could be a sign of things to come next year. However, despite their perceived forward line issues in the final series, the Bulldogs had no problems and if their key forwards don't perform to the expectations of some I think they will still play well and make the top 4. It's fair to say that the Bulldogs and the Saints could switch positions but to me the slight uncertainty of the Bulldogs forward line has the Saints slightly ahead. The biggest improver of the side could very well be Tom Boyd. If the Bulldogs have a key forward who can impact the scoreboard to work around it would make it easier to set up structurally and there would be less of a reliance on the smaller players to impact the scoreboard.

5. Adelaide Crows - Like the GIANTS, the Crows have a well balanced team. May be stiff to miss out on top 4, but I reckon we may have seen the best of this current Crows team this year. However, the Crows still have a team capable of inflicting some finals damage. Their forward line is still dangerous and structurally is probably the best in the comp as they were the highest scoring team this year. For me on paper this team looks like it should be entrenched in the top 4 but it doesn't deliver at the crucial moments. To be fair though they were within a whisker this year. For the Crows to make top 4 next year, Betts and Jenkins will have to have similar scoring outputs from this year into next year but that I reckon may be a big ask. Otherwise other forwards will have to pick up the slack which would be the ideal option imo. Brad Crouch looks like he could improve the Crows midfield next year. After playing no games in 2015, Crouch looks like he is on the right track to fulfil his talent by playing 16 games this year and performing well in the midfield and if he can improve his influence both on the inside and outside he could be right up there with Sloane.

6. Melbourne - At times an exciting team to watch with quick ball movement, the Demons need to improve their consistency. I reckon they will achieve that next year through the continued development of it's younger players which will reduce the load on some of it's senior players. The amount of development left in some of it's younger players has me convinced that this side should finish the year at least in the top 8. However, there's no clear strength of the Demons imo which is why I don't have them in the top 4 like the Saints and all the other sides I have in that bracket. However, over time the midfield will probably become the strength of the Demons as some of it's younger midfielders develop. Next year might be too soon for these players to develop into full time midfielders who perform at a high level. Also Melbourne unlike the top 4 sides i have for next year haven't made the MCG a dominant home ground as of yet, with improved performances at their home ground Melbourne should at the very least make the top 8. The biggest improver of the Demons might be Clayton Oliver who still needs to develop his tank so he can spend more time in the midfield. If he does that he would add more grunt to the improving midfield of the Demons and make a positive impact.

7. Geelong Cats - A team that is very hard to stop when it's midfield is dominating. Could swap the Demons and the Cats positions but there is a few queries I have regarding the Cats. However, starting with the positives, a midfield that contains Dangerfield and Selwood can cause havoc to every team with their dominance in the clearances. You can argue that they are the best midfield duo in the comp and when they are on, the Cats can beat any team. However, Geelong's greatest strength can also be it's greatest weakness as there does seem to be a heavy reliance on these two to get the job done. But if you were Tom Hawkins, you would love to have Dangerwood in your team with their quick clearances making Hawkins job easier to get marks and harder for opposing defenders. Another query I have of Geelong is it's forward line though. Hawkins is by far the best forward in the club and there is also quite a heavy reliance on him as well to get the job down. Menzel and Motlop provide support on the scoreboard but there's no guarantee that both will improve their scoreboard impact and both had really good years in terms of how many goals they got which may make it hard to replicate. Other players will need to contribute and that's why Nakia Cockatoo may be the next big improver down at Geelong. Cockatoo who is quick and good overhead has flair that will excite Cats fans for many years and he may be the player that can contribute in the forward line and improve the spread of goal kickers as well.

8. West Coast Eagles - Which Eagles are we going to get? the 2015 version? Or the 2016 version or worse? I reckon we will get something more so resembling the 2016 version. The Eagles to me look like an all round good team but not currently good enough for top 4. They do possess the best full forward in the game atm and a good foil at centre half forward but it's not enough for me to have them higher. However, they do have players that can immediately improve the team if they show their best form at their previous clubs such as Sam Mitchell, Jack Redden and Lewis Jetta in the midfield. Both of these players can reduce the pressure on players like Priddis and Gaff and make it a better team. If these players can replicate their previous club form then the Eagles could climb a couple of spots or if some of the younger players develop faster than expected, sneaking into the top 4 is not out of the question. In order to stay in the 8 or possibly make top 4, the Eagles will have to improve their record away from home as their record at Subiaco is outstanding with only 1 loss this year and only 2 the previous year. The one player who can improve the Eagles in terms of younger players is Liam Duggan. Despite not improving on his first year as much as he would have liked, Duggan is a classy player who should improve with a 3rd season under his belt should he remain fit during the pre-season. He would add extra class to the Eagles and his delivery inside 50 would be much appreciated from Kennedy and Darling and the other forwards in the side.

Gotta ask - why GIANTS and SUNS in uppercase?

 

[Trav 20]

And they've been replaced by two mids with 10+ years ahead of them, so let's not forget that T.Mitchell and O'Meara are both seriously good players(early reports on O'Meara are very positive).

The "flattered by close wins" argument is a really easy call to make in hindsight when Hawthorn don't become the premiers, but those wins were still very good examples of a great side doing everything right in crucial moments.

Hawthorn lost to the eventual Premiers by 1pt more than the runners up did on the big day. Do we say Sydney's close wins against Carlton, North and Brisbane flattered them? No, of course we don't.


People couldn't get their head around Clarkson's attitude towards the contested ball numbers, but even during that final against the Dogs his side continued to ignore the contested ball numbers and open up a 4 goal lead halfway through the second quarter. Dogs momentum late in games was ultimately too much for a number of sides.
Worth noting that had Isaac Smith kicked truly against the Cats, the 52 contested possession differential would've been laughed at.

Regardless, Clarkson knows the contested ball numbers have to improve and I have little doubt that they will.

As much as people may want it to be the case Hawthorn just aren't going to free fall down the ladder when Clarkson is still in charge and has so much talent at his disposal.

I think you were flattered by the close wins, because you were being hammered in contests. The reason Hawthorn have been such a great team was evident in those wins, but the writing was on the wall.

I'm an O'Meara fan, but the facts are he hasn't played for two years and essentially it's out Mitchell, Lewis in O'Meara, Mitchell. Great in the long-term, but possibly not next year as they learn the new game-plan and the nuances of their teammates.

My eldest Brother is a Hawks supporter and was on the Hawk's senior list for 3 years back in the day and he acknowledges that other teams are getting better and it may take the Hawks a year or three to rebound to the pointy end of the ladder - and that's if everything goes well.

That's what happens when you're deprived of the best talent for long enough.

 

[Bazza97]

Gotta ask - why GIANTS and SUNS in uppercase?

Good question, on the official AFL fixture both these clubs have their names in upper case so I thought I would do the same for my predictions even though it wasn't really necessary.

 

[B4Bear]

Loss of experience. Lack of quality leaders. Young talent under 24 yo is very average. Will be monstered by the better sides and cop some dreadful hidings. The only team North will beat is Brisbane at home.

I know it is the off season and all, but obvious troll is an obvious troll.

Now back on your bandwagon, oh and tell your mum not to let you stay up past your normal bedtime. It is affecting whatever small amount of rationality you possess.

 

[rooboy29]

Loss of experience. Lack of quality leaders. Young talent under 24 yo is very average. Will be monstered by the better sides and cop some dreadful hidings. The only team North will beat is Brisbane at home.

Haha righto mate

 

[Jobe Watson]

And they've been replaced by two mids with 10+ years ahead of them, so let's not forget that T.Mitchell and O'Meara are both seriously good players(early reports on O'Meara are very positive)

Are they ready to lead a midfield of a team with top 4 aspirations though?

We all know about O'Meara. He's missed 2 years and he needs to focus on actually getting on the park before we can talk about the impact he'll have in 2017.

Mitchell was the 4th banana in Sydney's midfield. He got to hide behind superior mids like Kennedy, Hannebery and Parker (Jack is another good midfielder that he had alongside him) who took all the attention off him. Sydney even had the luxury of being able to use him as a tagger at times this year. Is he ready to step up and be the #1 guy in Hawthorn's midfield? I'm really not sure. He's a good player, but is he yet the game-changing midfielder that Sam Mitchell was? Nope. Hawthorn were already one of the worst contested ball winning teams in the league and it's hard to see that changing in the short term with the list changes you've made.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Mitchell got to hide behind superior mids like Kennedy, Hannebery and Parker (Jack is another good midfielder that he had alongside him) who took all the attention off him.

This gave me a chuckle.

I can see him slinking out from the change rooms, last onto the field, making sure he's directly behind the umpire for the bounce, hoping no one notices him.