Big Improvers for 2012

[scaryness]

For the last couple of years we've had one team rise from the bottom 8 to be finalists. Freo came from 14th in 2009 to 6th (semi-finalists) in 2010, and West Coast came from last in 2010 to 4th (prelim finalists) in 2011.

So who's next?

 

[Jade]

Freo. Top four side when fit IMO.

 

[Legendary Soundpost]

Bulldogs for me. A top 4 side until this year. Should be revitalised under McCartney.

I think North will improve too, don't know how much though.

Freo is the unknown quantity under Lyon. How will coach and team adapt to each other's game styles?

 

[Chism]

North for me.


Another year into the kids and Goldstein took a massive leap last year. Easy draw as well with both GWS and GC twice, take those 16pts into account and they are well on their way.

 

[muttweed]

Brisbane and Adelaide

Or

North and Freo.

 

[Dan]

Saints provided no screws up over the summer and get off to resemble start to the season, they'll do well. This side gets Hayes back too, just having his presence is a lift for the team.

 

[jko'neal]

Freo if things go right. Too much talent not to improve, don't think they will finish top 4 though.

 

[eth-dog]

Tigers for me

 

[Rustof]

Freo seem the safe bet. When fit they should easily be top 6, pushing top 4.

 

[Ed D]

I'm tipping Melbourne (even though I thought they'd do better in 2011). New coaching staff, a big strong forward, kids are another year older. If they don't make the 8 in 2012 you can write them off as a failure.

Fremantle seem like a given to improve.

 

[CHIEF SMACKAHOE]

geelong will improve more than any other team

bank on it

 

[Jeremias]

Agree with most others - Fremantle have a good list and provided they stay fit should have a significantly better season in 2012 than they did in 2011. Having said that there is a giant unknown with them and that is Ross Lyon - it will be very interesting to see how he goes with the squad now available to him.

 

[Hipster Doofus]

Freo, Morabito will burst onto the scene again

 

[Pegasaur]

I voted for us but I could've gone for north, I believe there is a good chance we'll be facing them come finals time, but I think we have the better list.

 

[Joshen]

If they don't make the 8 in 2012 you can write them off as a failure.

Don't agree with this. They can still not make finals but see a significant improvement which would have their season regarded as a success. I think they'll come 8-11 and fwiw their off season has been mighty impressive. In regards to the poll I think Brisbane will improve greatly but won't make finals and Fremantle will finish 4-7.

 

[Ed D]

Don't agree with this. They can still not make finals but see a significant improvement which would have their season regarded as a success. I think they'll come 8-11 and fwiw their off season has been mighty impressive. In regards to the poll I think Brisbane will improve greatly but won't make finals and Fremantle will finish 4-7.

I don't know. With their draw if they don't make the finals it means they've either lost winnable games or haven't beaten many/any teams in the top 8. The amount of top draft picks they've had they really should be starting to form a good team. I'm predicting they will do well this year but how many years do they struggle for with the draft picks they've had if they don't?

 

[Dazb86]

Probably Brisbane.

 

[Alexwce]

Thought I would be one of the few to put in Richmond but they're on top. Interesting

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

I think it will be Freo; they have the top end experienced players - mixed with the quality youth and good role players - to jump significantly up the ladder.

Most of these teams could make the jump; a couple will find it harder due to the place their lists are (GC, Bulldogs and the Saints - due to inexperience and then age).

A lot will have to go right for these teams to make the jump, in my mind Freo have less question marks than the rest on the list.

 

[September_Glory]

Fremantle would be the easiest choice.

 

[wvass61]

Hmm,interesting to see who's winning the poll.Finaly,we've won something after 30 yrs

 

[100action]

North, Richmond and Melbourne absolutely need to make the 8 next year, improvement is to be expected. All 3 clubs have had a long time to rebuild, time to deliver. Most likely club for surprise improvement like West Coast this year is Fremantle, I think they can contend for a flag next year.

 

[theflea]

North, Richmond and Melbourne absolutely need to make the 8 next year, improvement is to be expected. All 3 clubs have had a long time to rebuild, time to deliver. Most likely club for surprise improvement like West Coast this year is Fremantle, I think they can contend for a flag next year.

i dont think the tiges 'absolutely have' to make finals this year. we are only year2(now) into a list turnover. nth and melb started before us. having said this it should still be the aim for the 3 clubs.improvemnt come in many ways. rich for me will have improved if we end up at say 10 wins for the year and maybe less floggings by the top teams.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Whichever mid range team that has the least interruption to their preparation by injury.

 

[Kong]

North.

Not sure when it'll happen, but I think they'll be a damn good side at some point or another.

Not sold on their KPP stock, but they have two very capable ruckmen and an abundance of potentially good midfielders; most importantly, like Hird at Essendon, Scott's teaching them to play finals style football.