Potentially 15 clubs could fade in 2001. If Essendon finish any lower than first, then they've faded.
Realistically, there are a few clubs that could fade. North, Melbourne (The Yo-Yo's) Geelong, Hawthorn, Carlton, Bulldogs. - Notice All Victorian clubs that made the 8 in 2000.
The question is, Who is good enough to take their place - StKilda, Richmond, Sydney, ........ maybe Port and maybe Freo - maximum 5 out of 6, more than likely 2 or 3 out of 6.
Let;s look at the Fade Away candidates.
North - after being up for so long, they are due for a fall, a 21 goal hammering in a final won't help mentally and an aging list which includes Rocca and Colbert.
Melbourne - Are capable from finishing anywhere from 2-15 who knows what they can do.
Carlton - Historically successful, rarely miss the finals but injuries to stars could hurt by the end of the season.
Bulldogs - A side with average history (I won't say tragic, I'm not that rude) but a top team that has been up for years, finished 8th in 2000 and could be gradually slipping, once again not a lot of change to the list.
Geelong/Hawthorn - I put these 2 together because they are very similar, both teams are capable of beating the best on their day, both are young sides who let's be honest played above what was expected of them in 2000. Both could be right up there this year and both could drop AKA Melbourne in 1999. Expect both sides to be up there consistently in the next 10 years.