The AFL escalator in 2009

[ledge]

Re: The AFL escalator in 2009

Bulldogs will play in the GF Hawks.
Richmond are overated and will finish ninth.
Carlton will improve.
West Coast wont improve they will just stop tanking.
Brisbane will be high top eight.
Cats could go either way.
Demons 16th
Saints to finish around 8th.
Pies in eight (only because the AFL pampers them)

The cats can only go one way, they finished top.
Considering you have chosen us and Hawks to finish in GF that means they are going downwards.

[ledge]

Re: The AFL escalator in 2009

Im backing you cant get money on Richmond finishing 9th.

[Dry Rot]

Re: The AFL escalator in 2009

IIRC a bottom 4 or bottom 8 team has made top 4 for many years now - which team will that be in 2009?

My punt is Port.

[LostDoggy]

Re: The AFL escalator in 2009

I agree in essence, but then you suggest Fremantle could be the real deal? Besides Melbourne, Fremantle probably have the worst list in the competition. Pavlich and Sandilands are quality players, and you could probably add a couple of others, but the rest are either rubbish or young kids (Eg. Palmer, Ibbotson & Mayne). They are a LONG way off Finals IMO. Desperately need to develop young talent, and whilst that has started, it's going to take a couple of years. Still a case of rove to Sandilands, smother Pavlich and you're 90% home.

I agree with everything you've said. With the thread's premise though, I looked down there and there was Melbourne, not going anywhere, West Coast, don't think they'll be going anywhere for another year or so (probably just finish outside the 8), Essendon and Freo.

Of the four I think Freo have the most weapons -- there are some older guys in there who have been playing below their best for some years now, plus younger guys like Palmer and Ibbotson who are quite good. Like I said in my original post, they could very easily finish wooden spooners, but if something clicks (and I do think that the potential is there), they have the weapons (Pav and Sands as you said), experience, and I think enough talent on the list to do some damage. With them a lot of it is really in the head, which tells me that if it clicks and their mental state goes the other way (ie. they get a couple of wins), the momentum may make them nigh unbeatable for a while. They only lost to Geelong by a point last year and lost something like 9 games (4 or 5 of those by less than a goal) that they led at 3 quarter time. That's not a sign of an untalented side. Mentally fragile, physically unfit, maybe, but they can put up a score, and with some luck...