Well thank heavens the off season is almost over.
This Saturday night sees Round 1 kicks off with the first Sydney derby, our friends the Sydney Swans up against the fledgling GWS outfit at ANZ Stadium at 7.20
Swannies look solid as always lately and their supporters will be hoping they can shed their recent 5-8 finish status and general footy level and be a serious challenger to the top four.
GWS have impressed most judges with their enthusiasm and performance so far in the NAB Cup where they've been pretty competitive.
But lets not forget they were often near full strength and their opposition much less so.
The bookies have the line up around 90 points which seems fair.
Then Thursday night 29/3 sees Richmond host Carlton at the MCG, where the Tigers will be hoping to reverse a nasty recent trend of first up losses. Certainly the Blues have been injury hit but will be hoping Kreuzer is in for a big season along with Waite coming back after an injury hit year last year.
NAB CUP form suggests the Tiges have a very good chance - but how much can we trust NAB Cup form vs the true stuff.
Next day Pies tackle the Hawks-woohoo, but that's not for this thread.
Sat 31 sees an up and down Melbourne host the apparently improved Brisbane and GC Suns host a seemingly vastly improved Adelaide.
Can't mention the Dees without also mentioning the terrible loss of Jimmy Stynes - a true legend of a guy. RIP Jimmy.
Hope they start the year with a win.
Freo also host Geelong in what should be a cracker at Patterson's on the Saturday night and to complete the Saturday games, North host Essendon at Etihad, in what promises to be another fascinating contest.
To complete the Round1, on Sunday 1/4/12 Dogs host WCE at Etihad and the improved Port host the Saints in Adelaide.
Great first round of matches, personally can't wait.
Opposition fans are very welcome to give insights with selections, injury concerns, new kids to keep an eye on etc etc.
This Saturday night sees Round 1 kicks off with the first Sydney derby, our friends the Sydney Swans up against the fledgling GWS outfit at ANZ Stadium at 7.20
Swannies look solid as always lately and their supporters will be hoping they can shed their recent 5-8 finish status and general footy level and be a serious challenger to the top four.
GWS have impressed most judges with their enthusiasm and performance so far in the NAB Cup where they've been pretty competitive.
But lets not forget they were often near full strength and their opposition much less so.
The bookies have the line up around 90 points which seems fair.
Then Thursday night 29/3 sees Richmond host Carlton at the MCG, where the Tigers will be hoping to reverse a nasty recent trend of first up losses. Certainly the Blues have been injury hit but will be hoping Kreuzer is in for a big season along with Waite coming back after an injury hit year last year.
NAB CUP form suggests the Tiges have a very good chance - but how much can we trust NAB Cup form vs the true stuff.
Next day Pies tackle the Hawks-woohoo, but that's not for this thread.
Sat 31 sees an up and down Melbourne host the apparently improved Brisbane and GC Suns host a seemingly vastly improved Adelaide.
Can't mention the Dees without also mentioning the terrible loss of Jimmy Stynes - a true legend of a guy. RIP Jimmy.
Hope they start the year with a win.
Freo also host Geelong in what should be a cracker at Patterson's on the Saturday night and to complete the Saturday games, North host Essendon at Etihad, in what promises to be another fascinating contest.
To complete the Round1, on Sunday 1/4/12 Dogs host WCE at Etihad and the improved Port host the Saints in Adelaide.
Great first round of matches, personally can't wait.
Opposition fans are very welcome to give insights with selections, injury concerns, new kids to keep an eye on etc etc.
