We've started off as favourites for next year.
Despite the loss this year, I still felt we were the most dominant side and, as it happens, injuries and suspensions got us at the end.
Sparing a similar bad run with injuries next year, I don't see why we shouldn't be outright favourites for the 2012 flag. Back-to-back dream is gone, now it's time for redemption.
Who do you think our nearest threats will be?
My top 4 rivals, in ranking order:
West Coast:
Their team is strikingly similar to ours in that they have a wonderful evenness across the field and a solid spine. Another year under their belt, their younger bodies stronger, I don't expect them to tire out so quickly as they did in this year's finals series.
Also a rich club with top notch facilities and excellent player management staff, they are the Collingwood of WA and I tip them to rise up a level next year.
Hawthorn:
Their injuries this year were a blessing in disguise, as the Hawks were able to reveal some star young guns on their list. They'll give the Hawks some needed depth that has been lacking in recent years, and given a decent run of injuries, should give the top a shake.
I still have concerns for their backline, even with the likes of Stratton in, when facing the talls of Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast. The Buddy factor doesn't appear to intimidate the top sides, but their midfield has shown it can match it with anyone.
Geelong:
As we saw this year, you can never write off the Cats. They don't even need a coach, they just know so perfectly how each other play, and show great trust and confidence in their teammates.
Their older bodies (the ones that have persisted to stay on) will start to ache, and will probably resemble the Brisbane Lions of 2004. Still a mighty team, but age does kick in at some point.
Their younger players will need to step up as the team transitions into a new list.
Their midfield is the best on par with ours, and won't allow the team to slide as many might be expecting.
Carlton:
They haven't proven anyone's expectations wrong.
They've steadily risen over recent years, and can only go higher.
I was a bit shocked to see them not as active in trade week. They're in desperate need of a KPP up forward.
Carlton's small forward line might destroy lesser sides, but it has struggled against the top defences.
Until they get some real marking power up forward (and not solely rely on the unreliable Waite), I can't see them taking out the prize.
Just as we recruited Ball and Jolly to get us over the line, the Blues will need to do the same.
Smokey - Fremantle:
New proven coach, reinvigorated list, a solid pre-season, and good luck with injuries should see Freo come out of the shadows.
Despite the loss this year, I still felt we were the most dominant side and, as it happens, injuries and suspensions got us at the end.
Sparing a similar bad run with injuries next year, I don't see why we shouldn't be outright favourites for the 2012 flag. Back-to-back dream is gone, now it's time for redemption.
Who do you think our nearest threats will be?
My top 4 rivals, in ranking order:
West Coast:
Their team is strikingly similar to ours in that they have a wonderful evenness across the field and a solid spine. Another year under their belt, their younger bodies stronger, I don't expect them to tire out so quickly as they did in this year's finals series.
Also a rich club with top notch facilities and excellent player management staff, they are the Collingwood of WA and I tip them to rise up a level next year.
Hawthorn:
Their injuries this year were a blessing in disguise, as the Hawks were able to reveal some star young guns on their list. They'll give the Hawks some needed depth that has been lacking in recent years, and given a decent run of injuries, should give the top a shake.
I still have concerns for their backline, even with the likes of Stratton in, when facing the talls of Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast. The Buddy factor doesn't appear to intimidate the top sides, but their midfield has shown it can match it with anyone.
Geelong:
As we saw this year, you can never write off the Cats. They don't even need a coach, they just know so perfectly how each other play, and show great trust and confidence in their teammates.
Their older bodies (the ones that have persisted to stay on) will start to ache, and will probably resemble the Brisbane Lions of 2004. Still a mighty team, but age does kick in at some point.
Their younger players will need to step up as the team transitions into a new list.
Their midfield is the best on par with ours, and won't allow the team to slide as many might be expecting.
Carlton:
They haven't proven anyone's expectations wrong.
They've steadily risen over recent years, and can only go higher.
I was a bit shocked to see them not as active in trade week. They're in desperate need of a KPP up forward.
Carlton's small forward line might destroy lesser sides, but it has struggled against the top defences.
Until they get some real marking power up forward (and not solely rely on the unreliable Waite), I can't see them taking out the prize.
Just as we recruited Ball and Jolly to get us over the line, the Blues will need to do the same.
Smokey - Fremantle:
New proven coach, reinvigorated list, a solid pre-season, and good luck with injuries should see Freo come out of the shadows.
