Hawthorn, Fremantle and Sydney

[GVGjr]

Can anyone see another team challenging Hawthorn, Fremantle or Sydney for spots in this year Grand Final?

To me even with Hawthorn losing Buddy Franklin they will need a rough patch during the year not to be a genuine contender again.

Fremantle are just so even across the park and play a very disciplined team orientated style that just unsettles opposition sides.

And with Sydney getting Franklin they have a sensational forward line that should have them as one of the higher scoring sides during the year.

Can any other team else mount a challenge? Which team do you think will win the flag this year?

[Ghost Dog]

No love for Fremantle? Any of last year's top 6 could be in it again. I like Freo's work ethic and they fly under the radar a bit.

[azabob]

No love for Fremantle? Any of last year's top 6 could be in it again. I like Freo's work ethic and they fly under the radar a bit.

Freo was included in the original post, so not sure where you are coming from.

[Go_Dogs]

I can't see if being any other than the three teams you have named.

All of them have strong lists and are well coached.

Geelong are the other side that I always find it hard to write off and could potentially challenge. I know their age profile is getting on and they've lost some more players from last season, but they have a strong home ground advantage and with a good run of injuries should be around the top 4 mark again.

If I had to pick a side to win the flag right now, I'd go with Sydney.

[Remi Moses]

I think those three. Sydney, despite some nonsense trotted out about Buddy will improve.
Hawthorn might slip slightly ( ageing mids and Buddy loss will put more pressure on others)
Freo are coached by Lyon ( they'll be there or thereabouts)

[Twodogs]

Hawthorn tradionally struggle the year after they have won a flag and I can see them struggling again. Buddy's gone, their list is a year older, the coach's message has been heard more often.

If anyone other than Lyon was coaching Freo I'd say watch for some complacency but I can't see that being a problem.

Sydney have to have a bad year sooner or latter but with Buddy and Tippett running around or them it ain't going to be anytime soon.

[always right]

Hawthorn tradionally struggle the year after they have won a flag and I can see them struggling again. Buddy's gone, their list is a year older, the coach's message has been heard more often.

If anyone other than Lyon was coaching Freo I'd say watch for some complacency but I can't see that being a problem.

Sydney have to have a bad year sooner or latter but with Buddy and Tippett running around or them it ain't going to be anytime soon.

I'm unaware of Hawthorn's history but I was surprised by your statement that they "traditionally" struggle the year after a premiership. Apart from 2009 when have they struggled previously?

[Twodogs]

I'm unaware of Hawthorn's history but I was surprised by your statement that they "traditionally" struggle the year after a premiership. Apart from 2009 when have they struggled previously?

Sorry it took a while:


1961 premiers, 1962 ninth.
1971, 1972 sixth
1976, 1977 third
1978, 1979 sixth
1983 , 1984 second
1986, 1987 second
1988, 1989 premiers
1989, 1990 fifth
1991, 1992 sixth
2008, 2009 ninth.


So they've missed he finals completely 4 times after winning a flag and twice went out in the first week. Apart from the power teams in the '80s they've had trouble backing up after a flag more often than not.

[bornadog]

Sorry it took a while:


1961 premiers, 1962 ninth.
1971, 1972 sixth
1976, 1977 third
1978, 1979 sixth
1983 , 1984 second
1986, 1987 second
1988, 1989 premiers
1989, 1990 fifth
1991, 1992 sixth
2008, 2009 ninth.


So they've missed he finals completely 4 times after winning a flag and twice went out in the first week. Apart from the power teams in the '80s they've had trouble backing up after a flag more often than not.

Lets hope it happens again. They do have an ageing midfieled which will be where they will fall over in 2014,

[KT31]

Lets hope it happens again. They do have an ageing midfieled which will be where they will fall over in 2014,

After putting up with my father-in-law at Christmas for a week, I'd be ecstatic if they never made it again.
After not seeing him for 12 months his first words were "G'day and now I can shake your hand and thank you for Brian Lake and the flag in person."
Between him and other in-laws it was a was a long three weeks.

[Twodogs]

After putting up with my father-in-law at Christmas for a week, I'd be ecstatic if they never made it again.
After not seeing him for 12 months his first words were "G'day and now I can shake your hand and thank you for Brian Lake and the flag in person."
Between him and other in-laws it was a was a long three weeks.

Two words. Nathan Hrovat.

[langers1971]

Lets hope it happens again. They do have an ageing midfieled which will be where they will fall over in 2014,

they are trying to rotate more players through the midfield now which can only help them. Last year Mitchell played predominately half back with an occasional stint in the midfield.