Things you are looking forward to in 2025

[Dazza]

Amen to all of these! I would add, Garcia and West breaking into the midfield with some quality minutes and Crofty getting a game!

I always feel like Westy gives us a spark in the middle. I'd like to see him rolled through there a little more often this year. He provides genuine mongrel at the coalface which we have lacked for a while. Probably since Dunkley left.

[Bulldog Joe]

Seeing us kick straight in front of goal.

There is a difference between looking forward to something and just fanciful dreaming

[Scragger77]

There is a difference between looking forward to something and just fanciful dreaming

A Christmas wish

[azabob]

A Christmas wish

Or Christmas miracle?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

There's a lot to look forward to.

I'm eager to see how Sanders responds to a challenging year. Started with a heap of praise, looked good in preseason, but found the H&A tough. Had some good moments where he stepped up his aggression, but would have walked away this year knowing he has a bit to work on.

I'm looking forward to seeing how we handle Libba. An all time favourite, heart and soul maniac, but I think we need to manage his year. That would also give the likes of Garcia and Sanders an opportunity to impress in the middle.

Big year for Arty. I like him, he has an ability to bring energy and spark to the team. Had that great game v Carlton last year, then played well vs GWS late this year. Will we play him wing, or are we hellbent it's HF or bust? Either way I want to see him play more than he has. I'm not sure he's ever going to be the type of player to bang the door down at VFL level.

Lastly, I want Garcia playing every week. I thought he was harshly judged by the MC this year. Has everything we need - pace, aggression, loves to tackle, uses the ball well for the most part. With confidence, I can see him being a bit like Clay was (or could have been).

[jeemak]

I think Sanders was able to play a natural role in match simulation and the preseason due to management of others at different times, and was then asked to come in and play the roll-up, distribute and turn/ run role that's bloody difficult. Broken record I know, but in a lesser or developing team he either plays more inside or in the back half and it's easier for him. Like you TBB, I'm hoping he can take a step forward. He's looking in great nick.

Arty just needs to be more productive more often and get his groove up. Belief will hopefully go a long way with him. Not sure I share the same optimism with Garcia, but happy to keep an open mind. His turn and high kick habit needs to be erased.

As for Libba (and again being a broken record), my worst fears are he has an episode and that's it. Not going to begrudge a guy wanting to bank a few hundred extra in the twilight of his career, but I worry.

[Thebont88]

Looking forward to seing the impact English can have after hopefully an injury free pre-season.

people forget that he was sidelined for most of last preseason with concussion (only did laps)

[azabob]

There's a lot to look forward to.

I'm eager to see how Sanders responds to a challenging year. Started with a heap of praise, looked good in preseason, but found the H&A tough. Had some good moments where he stepped up his aggression, but would have walked away this year knowing he has a bit to work on.

I'm looking forward to seeing how we handle Libba. An all time favourite, heart and soul maniac, but I think we need to manage his year. That would also give the likes of Garcia and Sanders an opportunity to impress in the middle.

Big year for Arty. I like him, he has an ability to bring energy and spark to the team. Had that great game v Carlton last year, then played well vs GWS late this year. Will we play him wing, or are we hellbent it's HF or bust? Either way I want to see him play more than he has. I'm not sure he's ever going to be the type of player to bang the door down at VFL level.

Lastly, I want Garcia playing every week. I thought he was harshly judged by the MC this year. Has everything we need - pace, aggression, loves to tackle, uses the ball well for the most part. With confidence, I can see him being a bit like Clay was (or could have been).

TBB nice to see some optimism.

[azabob]

Looking forward to seing the impact English can have after hopefully an injury free pre-season.

people forget that he was sidelined for most of last preseason with concussion (only did laps)

Far call. He also was clearly underdone in the final against the Hawks.

[SonofScray]

My expectations are rock bottom. Suspect we’ll finish 13th, and we’ll finally go through the process of a change in senior coach around R14.

I’m looking forward to seeing the emergence of whatever is next and enjoying footy week to week in its own terms again, unburdened by the expectation and belief the group can generate but has failed to deliver on.

I’m looking forward to hints of a style of football that is coherent and tangible as something that belongs to this group.

[Woofingwarrior]

Dom brew

[Happy Days]

TBB nice to see some optimism.

Neg: - only good pessimistic poster on here

[weltschmerz]

I'm keen to see Jedd Busslinger make a mark at AFL level. The player I look at is Sam de Koning; he played one game in his first two seasons, then in his third year he came second in the Rising Star and played in a premiership. Buss is ready to play.

[Spindles11]

Looking forward to seeing Bont become a premiership captain, AFLPA MVP, coaches MVP and a Brownlow medallist in 2025

[whythelongface]

Looking forward to our team clicking as a group from the start of the season and finally breaking the expectation shackles. We have a very good team with only a few weaknesses and some solid young talent. On an individual note really looking forward to see what Matt Kennedy brings to the team. He may surprise us.

I am buoyant about our chances and finally believe we can make top 4 (I have thought this a few times over the years).