Tulip
Hall of Famer
- May 3, 2009
- 37,249
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- AFL Club
- Melbourne
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Just like last year, only rebooted.
Four teams that will be aiming for the top four:
Melbourne - a blinding four weeks to close the season led to a Prelim, only to be blown out the water against WCE. Have they turned the corner into being contenders, or was it a flash in the pan? The loss of Hogan, despite him missing the big run in, will be felt keenly. There will be a lot of pressure on Weideman's shoulders, whilst May and Lever will be keen to make an impact and lead the defence.
Essendon - 14 years since they won a final. Sound recruiting and development over the past two years has seen them rocket up the ladder for many punters. How far can they go? Their form turned a corner when Daniher went down - can they fit him in and stay unpredictable? I suspect so.
Adelaide - a disappointing year after making the GF in 2017. The camp is behind them, and they'll be keen to write off 2018 and get one more year of top footy out of the likes of Betts, Gibbs, Jacobs and Walker. Sloane staying was a big boon. Is there enough star power left for a serious tilt?
Hawthorn - fared better than many expected last year, but were found wanting in September. Two boom recruits in, one quality youngster out. Can Clarko work his magic, or is it finally a case of the stardust washing away. Big concern is the lack of KPF depth, Roughy is the only recognised tall forward and he's clearly on the way down. A midfield of Mitchell, O'Meara, Burgoyne and Scully looks ominous.
Four teams that will be aiming for the top four:
Melbourne - a blinding four weeks to close the season led to a Prelim, only to be blown out the water against WCE. Have they turned the corner into being contenders, or was it a flash in the pan? The loss of Hogan, despite him missing the big run in, will be felt keenly. There will be a lot of pressure on Weideman's shoulders, whilst May and Lever will be keen to make an impact and lead the defence.
Essendon - 14 years since they won a final. Sound recruiting and development over the past two years has seen them rocket up the ladder for many punters. How far can they go? Their form turned a corner when Daniher went down - can they fit him in and stay unpredictable? I suspect so.
Adelaide - a disappointing year after making the GF in 2017. The camp is behind them, and they'll be keen to write off 2018 and get one more year of top footy out of the likes of Betts, Gibbs, Jacobs and Walker. Sloane staying was a big boon. Is there enough star power left for a serious tilt?
Hawthorn - fared better than many expected last year, but were found wanting in September. Two boom recruits in, one quality youngster out. Can Clarko work his magic, or is it finally a case of the stardust washing away. Big concern is the lack of KPF depth, Roughy is the only recognised tall forward and he's clearly on the way down. A midfield of Mitchell, O'Meara, Burgoyne and Scully looks ominous.