Ok it's the off season. So nothing like putting your creds on the line at this time of year right?

I reckon I can pick the top 10 of the best and fairest, I've collated all the data, I've consulted all the experts, I've had lengthy discussions with Microsoft Co-Pilot, Chat GPT, Google Bard and my dog and (insert montage here) spent many long nights formulating who I think will be the best 10 players for the Dogs in 2024 according to the coaches!

So I'll show you mine, you show me yours WOOFERS....! Pick it apart, who would you remove/include?

So...without further ado.

#1 - Ed Richards. It's time, he polls well and I reckon he will thrive under Pratt. He's reaching peak age and just seems to be improving exponentially each season. His toughness, clean skills, speed and penetrating kicking are eye catching and such as huge asset for us. Press RED FOR ED in 24.

#2 - Marcus Bontempelli. If he doesn't win it he comes second he's just that good and if he isn't up here in the top 2 then he's injured so I can't think about that!

#3 - Liam Jones. Looks primed for a big season and I'd say without the injury last season he's top 2. Again think Pratt will be a re-energising factor and if we have 2 out of our top 3 places being defenders I think we finish top 4.

#4 - Aaron Naughton. I get the feeling Naughty is going to explode one year, and this just might be it. I'm thinking 50+ goals and a ton of other work in the forward half and a really high finish in the b and f.

#5 - Jack Macrae. Jack's back. Well that's what we will be saying in October right? He plays where he is meant to and this guy just gets the job done. He will consistently rack them up and do his job so I expect a big return to form for Jacko.

#6 - Tom Liberatore. Bit low you say? Not sure Tom can continue on forever at the amazing pace he has set, plus with Harmes and maybe Sanders doing a bit more of the inside work I can see Tom, whilst still being insanely brilliant, maybe shouldering less of the load this season just dropping him back a little in the accumulation of votes. He will still be up in the rarefied air though.

#7 - Tim English. Same spot as 2023. I think if the AA year gets 7th, then he may not be a big b and f vote getter. Super important though and if he can repeat his form of 23 we will be right up there in the mix.

#8 - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. Tenth in 2023, I think his improvement has been pretty linear and I expect that to continue in 24. Hopefully a renewed focus on goal-kicking will assist him to rise up the b and f rankings and there would be no surprise to me if he was able to finish top 5.

#9 - Riley Sanders - Yep, I'm getting sucked in to the hype. He looks all class, I think with Baz out he plays most games and if the pre-season match sims are anything to go by he is an eye catching type that will attract votes. It's probably my most outlandish prediction, and means someone very experienced has to miss but I'm going with it!

#10 - Bailey Dale - Another defender! It was between Treloar, Daniel and Dale for the last spot and I've gone Dale due to his ability to slice teams open and create scoring opportunities. With our poor rebound 50 game last season I think it will be a real emphasis for us and this guy is one of the main men in this regard. So he gets the nod for tenth.


Give me your thoughts!