Will Collingwood make the finals next year?

[i_luv_westcoast]

In my opinion they overachieved this year. I think they will struggle to make the finals next year.

 

[MightySaint]

I think they will finish in the top 6. They have a very good TEAM!

 

[Nic]

I'm fairly confident of at least making the finals or going close. I think we'll finish 4-8.

 

[scmods]

Where's the "who cares" option?

FWIW, I think they'll be in the finals, but won't get as far as they did this year.

 

[Falchoon]

as long as they don't overrate themselves like Richmond in particular and to a lesser extent Hawthorn this year, they should fit in to the 4-8 category.

If the workrate and teamwork slackens relying on individual brilliance, somewhere around tenth.

 

[skilts]

Be very surprised if they don't give a good account of themselves and finish 4-8, if not better. Only problem I see is possible lack of depth if injuries intervene. This eventuality could be balanced by their young blokes having another year under their belt and the attendant maturing.

As was shown in the GF, they need a ruckman. So draft is important to them. Decent coach has made all the difference.

 

[M29]

Normally see this thread at the start of the year. Wait, that's the spoon threads. Too early to say atm. Barring injuury, they most likely will.

 

[Pies rock]

With Fraser, Tarrant, O'bree, Buckley, Rocca and Lonie injured for most of the year, and all playing well below their best we made the Grand Final. With them back - hopefully all fit and firing - why would we get near the finals??

Moron, careful not to get dumped AGAIN.

 

[M29]

Originally posted by Pies rock
Moron, careful not to get dumped AGAIN.

Whose that directed at?

 

[LionsForever]

As much as everybody hate's them I still think they will be in the Top 8 and the final's.

 

[Da Bomberman]

I think Collingwood got through this year with dumb luck.

 

[Nic]

Originally posted by Da Bomberman
I think Collingwood got through this year with dumb luck.

Ha. Ha ha. Hee hee hee.

 

[Stegelator]

THey have an excellent list, and all their youngsters have another year expirience under their belt. Latohugh I think they over-acheived in getting into the grand final...they will finish top 4 again in 2003

 

[The Spornstar]

I think they will just make the 8, and finish either 7th or 8th. Of course, it wouldn't surprise me if they missed the 8..........or if they finished top two.

 

[LionsForever]

Originally posted by Da Bomberman
I think Collingwood got through this year with dumb luck.

Well they sure gave us a run for our money.

 

[Lockyer24]

A fitter and more experienced Collingwood will see us finish Top 4 again.

 

[Rohan_]

You watch Didak and Lonie explode next year. Top 1.

 

[Lockyer24]

not to mention Bitchslap.

50 goals next year...

 

[Rohan_]

Originally posted by Lockyer24
not to mention Bitchslap.

50 goals next year...

Fraser with a full preseason will show why he is once in a generation player.

 

[mic59]

Heck, any team that has a tough run with injuries can miss out. I would answer if Collingwod have a fair run with injuries, they will make the finals. I don't think they will be top 4 at the end of home and away. And if some of the teams that just made it have a better run than 2002(especially Essendon), Collingwood will go out pretty quick.
There, vague enough for you?

Oh, by the way, I voted "don't know".

 

[Mightypies]

We will make the top four this year and may well win the premiership.

 

[MarkT]

It's almost impossible to contemplate that Collingwood's list will not be better for the extra year and the finals given the age of so many of the players. They will have the confidence of knowing they are good enough because they have proven that by beating every team that made the finals.

If Collingwood don't get a ruckman they may not improve enough to win a premiership. If they do get a class ruckman they will be good enough to win the premiership.

Of course that is a long way from actually winning a Premiership. Injuries to key players and improvement of opposition clubs will be big factor in shaping the finals.

It's hard for me to see the top 4 not making the the top 6 but someone always does worst than expected and someone always does better. I don't see why the 2002 top 4 will not all be better sides assuming identical injury records (which is unlikely). Essendon could be strong with a better injury run. There are some very good young players in the comp. right now so a team could jump significantly. Geelong and St.Kilda are chances for improvement and the WA sides will be better. Those 9 make my top 8 right now.

My tip for The Pies is definately top 4, probably top 2 (ie make the GF). First is a possibility but it would take a lot of luck and a Ruckman.

 

[Slax]

Did overachieve making the GF but have a solid base of young players and will again be one of the top sides, although they will find it tougher with a harder draw next season.

 

[Dan26]

Young teams don't take backward steps under Malthouse. West Coast eventually went backwards under him, but only after they rechaed massive heights to come down from,

Malthouse is a thorough professional, he knows how to build a team, and maintain that team. Barring significant injury, Collingwood will be improve on their 13 win season.

I see Collingwood as being in the position West Coast were after the 1990 season, with perhaps not quite as much talent as the Eagles.

 

[Rohan_]

Originally posted by Dan26
Young teams don't take backward steps under Malthouse.

Exactly. That's why you never compare this Collingwood side to the 1997 St Kilda side. Malthouse doesn't tolerate crap and ill discipline, Alves did.