Now that the draw is out I think it is a good time to start making our early top 8 predictions for next year.
Here is my predicted ladder:
1. Collingwood - Consistent enough to finish top again.
2. Western Bulldogs - Easy draw helps.
3. St Kilda - Will still be thereabouts.
4. Hawthorn - Should finally get back to top 4.
5. Geelong - A little slip courtesy of ageing legs and no Ablett and Thompson.
6. Melbourne - Easy draw should ensure that the Dees continue their climb.
7. Fremantle - Will drop off, but still win enough games at home to make top 8
8. Adelaide - Good young players + great coach = top 8.
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9. Sydney - Slight drop post Roos/
10. Carlton - I think they will stagnate a bit and be passed by a few teams.
11. Port Adelaide - Plenty of young players will be given chances.
12. Brisbane - Brown and Fev will win a few off their own boots, but that is it.
13. North Melbourne - Tougher year for Kangas as Boomer and Rawlings age.
14. Essendon - Time to bottom out and rebuild.
15. West Coast - Their list is simply not good enough. Bye Bye Woosha.
16. Richmond - Despite encouraging end to last year, still a long way off.
17. Gold Coast - No forward line and no midfield depth = tough debut year.
Here is my predicted ladder:
1. Collingwood - Consistent enough to finish top again.
2. Western Bulldogs - Easy draw helps.
3. St Kilda - Will still be thereabouts.
4. Hawthorn - Should finally get back to top 4.
5. Geelong - A little slip courtesy of ageing legs and no Ablett and Thompson.
6. Melbourne - Easy draw should ensure that the Dees continue their climb.
7. Fremantle - Will drop off, but still win enough games at home to make top 8
8. Adelaide - Good young players + great coach = top 8.
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9. Sydney - Slight drop post Roos/
10. Carlton - I think they will stagnate a bit and be passed by a few teams.
11. Port Adelaide - Plenty of young players will be given chances.
12. Brisbane - Brown and Fev will win a few off their own boots, but that is it.
13. North Melbourne - Tougher year for Kangas as Boomer and Rawlings age.
14. Essendon - Time to bottom out and rebuild.
15. West Coast - Their list is simply not good enough. Bye Bye Woosha.
16. Richmond - Despite encouraging end to last year, still a long way off.
17. Gold Coast - No forward line and no midfield depth = tough debut year.