Still way, way beyond my expectations at start of the year. I knew we'd improve, but this is amazing.
I had us down for 4 at most, and couldnt for the life of me see how we could kick a winning score.
We're currently 11th. Above us (on percentage) are Port and Melbourne. Next is Adelaide, 4 points clear at 8th spot.
Assuming we win next week against the Lions at Etihad, Port lose to the Pies (probable at the G - could go either way) and Melbourne lose to Hawthorn (which they should), we're sitting on 9th spot. Assuming Adelaide beat the Saints at home (which they should) they'll stay in 8th spot.
The next week Adelaide play WCE at Domain (which the Crows should lose), Melbourne should get rolled by the Pies, and Port come up against the Dogs in Adelaide (which Port could very well drop). We play the Saints at Etihad.
We're every chance of hitting the bye week in 9th spot on percentage, and one game clear of 10th.
We then hit the horror patch of the season after the bye (GWS away, Collingwood, Adelaide (MCG), West Coast Eagles (MCG), Sydney Swans (away), Hawthorn (away)).
We'll be in 9th spot, rested and with nothing to lose and everything to play for. We're every chance of snaring a win or two if Bolton can keep the intensity and belief up.
If we can score two wins out of that lot, were in contention for finals running into the back end of the season. We then face four very winnable games against teams that have probably put the cue in the rack - St Kilda, then Brisbane (away), and then back to back games at the 'G against Melbourne, and then finally Essendon.
Even though I feel as if we'll finish around 10th, its not entirely unreaslistic we'll sneak into the 8.
I never thought I'd be even contemplating finals, even as recently as a month or so ago. I'm... flabbergasted.