If we look at the first half of the season in total, I think 7-4 is a terrific result, because:
1. We have had a bloody tough draw;
2. We have tinkered with the game plan to bring in the defensive style of play, albeit with hiccups, but it has clearly been a big part of some of the unexpected wins;
3. We have been hurt by the lengthy injuries to key players - Spitta, Wells, JMac, Tazza, and Grima - but have had terrific cover;
4. We have killed off a handful of our bogeys - interstate, big teams, wet weather
The Adelaide game is important, as it is the last of this big month of games (Cats in Catland, Eagles in Subi, Tiges with something to prove, Crows in Crowland) and would kill off one remaining bogey and bitter taste from last year, as well as set our selves up for the run to September.
The top eight looks incredibly even. with just a game separating 2nd and 8th and Port having been fortunate with copping the Hawks B-team and a few lucky breaks, as they are probably 4th best in the pecking order. The way I see it, there will be a battle for the top 3 between Sydney, Hawthorn, and Port, with Collingwood, Freo, Geelong, and us in the battle for 4th, and the Suns a likely finalist.
My final 8 prediction is:
Sydney
Hawthorn
Port
Collingwood
Freo
North
Geelong
Gold Coast