Will the odd year be a problem?

[CowboyFromHell]

I was scanning through some people's early thoughts on next years ladder, and happened to notice that a few people predict us to finish down in the Bottom 8 due to it being an odd year.

My question is - do you think we can turn it around and still finish in the top 8 next year? Why will we stay up, or are there any reasons for concern for the club?

2003 is a big year for this group, it's time to stand up and be counted.

 

[Deestroy]

The only way I see us falling down the ladder is if we have 10 or more major injuries, poor form to the key players that aren't injured and new club in-fighting. Which is to say that I don't think it will happen.

 

[happy_in_hell]

Going by our previous form in odd years, to say that is doesn't worry me would be a lie. But it is all pyschological and they are a fantstic bunch of players so if we get a good draft pick (hopefully a tall backman), and our board stays in the background i don't see a problem.

 

[CowboyFromHell]

Originally posted by happy_in_hell
Going by our previous form in odd years, to say that is doesn't worry me would be a lie. But it is all pyschological and they are a fantstic bunch of players so if we get a good draft pick (hopefully a tall backman), and our board stays in the background i don't see a problem.

That is a very good point. Our bad form in the odd year can date back as far as 1993 when we finished 10th, I think we didn't perform in 1995, last in 1997, 14 th in 1999 and mid table in 2001. I truly believe this group can turn all that around, as they looked more consistent this year. In a way, I'm glad we dropped the semi as we didn't go as far as 98 and 2000, and therefore there won't be as much expectation on this group.

 

[dees01]

Every time I tip Melbourne to finish in the Top 8, they have a shocker and when I don't tip them to make the 8 they make it!

Seriously, if they do not perform up to the expected standards next year, there is a huge problem at the Club and changes will have to be made But I think they are good enough to have another good year in 2003.

 

[CowboyFromHell]

Originally posted by dees01
Every time I tip Melbourne to finish in the Top 8, they have a shocker and when I don't tip them to make the 8 they make it!

Seriously, if they do not perform up to the expected standards next year, there is a huge problem at the Club and changes will have to be made But I think they are good enough to have another good year in 2003.

While I agree with that last statement, we did say that at the end of 2000, and look what happened. I think this group is alot stronger than a few years ago, but who the hell knows?

If we can get Brittain, keep our core players and work hard, then we will reap the rewards. I have faith, but not alot left during the odd years.

 

[dees*gal]

i didnt read all the replys so im not gonna state my reasons (chances are they've all already been said) but i rekcon we'll be right for next season... dunno why i think that, but as they say - we ride a rollercoster and it hasnt yet got to the top!!