We did worse this year than what we should have, I thought 10 wins was pretty getable before the injuries struck pre-season. The injury to Simmonds turned out to be catastrophic on two fronts, firstly the loss of our only effective ruckmen and secondly the pounding to morale that that situation created. We lost and we kept loosing and never recovered.
If simmonds can be fit or another effective ruckmen is put in place, confidence can be restored. Based on were I believe this group is at right now this is how I believe the season can pan out.
Carlton - Yes: We can win this game and we should win this game based on what happened in the last eight weeks of season 2007. Yes carlton tanked but I don't believe they are good enough to beat us anyway.
Kangaroos - Yes: The Kangaroos did a lot better this year than a lot of people thought they would, themselves included, they will come back to earth in 2008.
Collingwood - Yes: I believe that Collingwood are more hype than actual ability, I think they'll get found out in 2008
Fremantle - No: This is an interesting one, this side will make the eight next year and will surprise a lot of people. I wasn't a fan of Harvey's about three years ago but he just might make me eat humble pie.
Western Bulldogs - Yes: This is a fifty fifty one, bulldogs are in a bit of strife, eade wont ever win a premiership. Out of eade and Wallace we did get the best. dogs will finish mid table.
Hawthorn - Yes: Had a blinder of a season, one out of the box, wont happen this year but, welcome back to the pack Hawks. If they can hold there list together they are going to be a very good side, but not yet.
St. Kilda - No: St Kilda will bounce back. The loss of Grant really unsettled a lot of the boys down their at the saints early on in 2007, alot of people were peeed off. Ross Lyon, what a brave man to walk into that. Justice has been served and Butters has been scalped. The Saints will be one of the improvers this season.
Geelong - No: Nothing more needs to be said.
Essendon - Yes: Good luck Matthew.
Sydney - No: Sydney are still just a little bit out of our league, especially at the SCG.
Adelaide - Yes: We will win this one, Adelaide are on the way down.
Melbourne - Yes: This is an interesting one too, were as teams over performed last year, most notably hawks, kangars and Port, Richmond and melbourne under performed. Melbourne will bounce back, but we will still beat them.
Port Adelaide - Yes: Port will come back to the pack, everything fell their way last year, that wont happen twice.
Carlton - Yes: They'll be better than round one, but so will we.
West Coast - No: Subiaco, still a great side, they will be better without the criminal influence.
Essendon - Yes: Good luck Matthew.
Brisbane Lions - Yes: only because we will play them in Melbourne.
Geelong - No: Next
Adelaide - Yes: ageing side, on the way down
Hawthorn - Yes: As stated earlier
Fremantle - No: Will make the eight.
Melbourne - No: they'll get one back on us for their 150th year.
So that's 13 wins, 52 points and a finals berth, it's entirely possible, just ask Hawthorne.
