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#1
In 2003 Freo finished 5th and missed out on % on a top 4 position. Since then we have not progressed. However it does not take much to jump into the top 4. Looking at the last two seasons ..
- In 2004 Geelong (12th previous year), St Kilda (11th) jumped into top 4
- In 2005 Adelaide (12th), West Coast (8th) jumped into top 4
Arguably West Coast got there on a good injury free run and a mountain of close victories (9 by 24 points or less is not repeatable). That is their only top 4 in 11 years amazingly. But the other three teams have jumped on vastly improved performances from a relatively poor previous year which is a good sign for us.
We are not far off given :
- We have won 11 of our last 18 in Melbourne (travel there was a problem year after year)
- We have not lost by more than 10 goals in 75 consecutive AFL matches back to round 14, 2002 (we used to get blown away too often)
Given the evenness of the comp, the better travel record and the way we hang in more these days it is not a big step to take to finish top 4. That is the positive. The downside is I don't think Connolly is the man to get the most out of this squad. He may get us to the top 4 eventually but maybe a year or two later than a better coach. I hope to be proved wrong.
- In 2004 Geelong (12th previous year), St Kilda (11th) jumped into top 4
- In 2005 Adelaide (12th), West Coast (8th) jumped into top 4
Arguably West Coast got there on a good injury free run and a mountain of close victories (9 by 24 points or less is not repeatable). That is their only top 4 in 11 years amazingly. But the other three teams have jumped on vastly improved performances from a relatively poor previous year which is a good sign for us.
We are not far off given :
- We have won 11 of our last 18 in Melbourne (travel there was a problem year after year)
- We have not lost by more than 10 goals in 75 consecutive AFL matches back to round 14, 2002 (we used to get blown away too often)
Given the evenness of the comp, the better travel record and the way we hang in more these days it is not a big step to take to finish top 4. That is the positive. The downside is I don't think Connolly is the man to get the most out of this squad. He may get us to the top 4 eventually but maybe a year or two later than a better coach. I hope to be proved wrong.

