Ladder Position in 2008

[Pjkimber]

Just thought it would be a good idea to get everyones opinion on where they predict where will finish on the ladder in 2008.

With a new coach and game plan, ANYTHING is possible. Set your minds back to 99, not the greatest of years and then in 2000....runners up 2 Essendon in the grand final.

With the likes of Bode,Frawley and Petterd showing promising signs,the further development of Dunn, Bate, Bell, Bartram (I hope he is fit) Juice and Meesen who seems to be having a SENSATIONAL pre-season. we have an exciting young list that does not include potential superstar players in our new rookies like Maric, Grimes and Morton in. If Grimes and Morton pay dividends we will easily have the best midfield in the competition come 2009/10

If Neitz, Rivers, Sylvia and Whelan can get their bodies right, McDonald can keep up is terrific from and Davey, Bruce, Mclean, Green have a great season like they did in 06, I believe we can easily be a top 4 side this year with another flag to the collection come 2009/10.

 

[Beloved]

I'm tipping the Demons to be this years 'big turn around' team, although it's not exactly a turn around. 2007 was a hickup for the Demons and should be seen as nothing more.

That said, if you can maintain a fit, healthy squad, there's no reason why a top eight, maybe even top four finish isn't possible.

Exact position, i'll go fifth.

 

[Bartram_Class]

12th.

I expect improvement from the young blokes, but not enough input from the older brigade, Robbo, White, Neita and Yze to take us into the 8.

 

[CowboyFromHell]

9th - 12th.

Don't expect us to make the finals, but I certainly expect us to be more competitive.

 

[eliasd82]

Anywhere between 4th -14th depending on luck and injuries... too early to call.

 

[CowboyFromHell]

Anywhere between 4th -14th depending on luck and injuries... too early to call.

Optimism - you just can't beat it!

 

[#1 Dogs Fan]

Interesting question and i was having this conversation the other day.
Depending on injuries and if certain players can get back to the form they were in 2006 Melbourne could actually surprise.
Personally i have them just missing the eight but if you can find more fire power up forward a possible top 8 isn't out of the question. You still have a similar team to the line up in 06 so it all depends on getting players fit and playing to players strengths.

 

[SirJimi05]

Optimism - you just can't beat it!

Not that optimistic.

I find it strange that even alot of Melbourne supporters underate their own list.

It is pretty good you know. As long as you can keep you're senior players from getting injured you should go alright next year.

I would rate them at 6-13 depending on injuries.

 

[melbourne150]

I think we will finish between 5th and 12th

We have some very good senior players and some extremley good young players. And in the opening post you mentioned the young guns but you left out the best one Nathan Jones who along with Brock McLean has been dominating during Pre-Season.(Meesen the third best performer over Pre-Season)

I think if we can avoid alot of big injurys(unlike last year) we could(should) defienitly make the top 8

 

[montybrasco]

This question comes up again and again, but it always the same answer: you just don’t know. Injuries, other teams' injuries, etc. Just don’t see a healthy D’s team being quite good enough to hold a top eight spot. I’m thinking 9th to 15th with Essendon last.

And as a Melbourne supporter, try running that Essendon-last thing with a straight face by a Bomber's fan and listen for the tirade of abuse that will come your way.

 

[Marns]

Who knows? We could finish last. On the other hand, North and Geelong weren't supposed to do anything in 2007, and we know how that turned out.

 

[DemonErrol1964 - dees]

Guys, Guys, Guys, Are you forgetting ???

2008 is an evan year. Say no more.

Top 8 easily

 

[Supermercado]

10th. In the mix for the 8 but not good enough.

 

[demonfan9]

9-13th.

It will be interesting to see how we go without the bunch of experienced (fringe) players we lost. Johnstone (not fringe), Brown, Bizzell, Pickett, Ward and Godfrey.

Their spots will now be replaced by young guys such as Bartram, Bode, Morton, Grimes, Petterd, Buckley, etc...

This could breathe some fresh air into the side, and we might discover one or two stars amongst the lot. We've seen how young players can improve sides, such as Collingwood, Port Adelaide and the Kangaroos. However, it might turn out that these players are too raw and can't compete at senior level yet. Which will have a negative effect on our team.

 

[Manginable Claw]

My opinion is that we have a list good enough to land us anywhere from 5 to 10 and that is where I think we will end up.

Like everyone else seems to state that if we don't have a big year injury wise then we should be right. I am just hoping that Bailey can get the boys playing with more confidence. Everyone (including myself at time to time) bags Brad Miller, if Bailey can get him to play with the confidence of a couple of years back when he was touted as the next captain, things will start to look up.

I am very excited about the younger blokes coming through, Pettard on a half back flank, with a bulked up Dunny on a wing (playing a Chad Cornes role - as i think that he has the talent to). A fit and firiing Sylvia and Maloney things look good.

 

[CaptainDavey]

9th, get on it. We'll be the cream of crap team crop this year. Too good for the crap, too crap for the good

 

[Crimson Azure]

So far we have had 4-14 & 5-13 so I might go 6-12 or 7-11 but I am more inclined to say 5-8 as a guesstimation.

 

[MicksterD]

Top 4. We were touted as a certain top 4 side in 2007 but injury ravaged our side. I believe the Dees will be even stronger with the deletions and inclusions to the side (including Mr Bailey but having said that losing Travis was a travesty) and probability says that injury will not be a problem for the Dees in 2008 (at least I hope not). Geelong will sustain its 2007 form in 2008 and the Blues will finish in the 8 this year.

 

[Dez!]

9th, get on it. We'll be the cream of crap team crop this year. Too good for the crap, too crap for the good

Well that's the blunt way to put it.

I'll make the only absolutely certain prediction and say we'll finish anywhere from 1st to 16th.

Thread over, I win.

 

[CaptainDavey]

Top 4. We were touted as a certain top 4 side in 2007 but injury ravaged our side. I believe the Dees will be even stronger with the deletions and inclusions to the side (including Mr Bailey but having said that losing Travis was a travesty) and probability says that injury will not be a problem for the Dees in 2008 (at least I hope not). Geelong will sustain its 2007 form in 2008 and the Blues will finish in the 8 this year.

Carlton won't make the 8. If they do they'll be the first team in history to do so without a defence