Where do we need to improve for 2012?

[Sabretooth]

In the ruck, but I don't think we're going to get the right one.

[Coach]

Don't see why our backline needs more improving than any other area. It's in the ruck that we need the most improvement and our mids get their asses kicked every now and then too.

Our backline is looking ok. Rance, Grimes and Astbury are going to be quality tall defenders, IMO. Newy, Houli, Batch and Lids are all good down back as well. If we get a decent ruckman + eff off some spuds then we're laughing.

edit: actually don't discount the Beefcake. Set for a big 2012  Bugger off Maric 

[FooffooValve]

For want of a better term "defensive mechanisms" are where we need to improve the most. We leak way too many goals, and that isn't always the fault of the back 6. Hence the appointment of Ross Smith.

We improved forward of centre in that we no longer rely on Jack as our only avenue to goal. Hopefully that continues to develop and improve with the natural progression of Vickery and Griffiths, as well as Nahas and the midfield goal kickers.

We weren't bad in clearances and contested ball, but obviously we have to improve there as well.

We also need improvement in creating a lot more uncontested ball, so bringing the ball out of the back half without risking turnovers is where we get smashed by the good sides.

In terms of personnel, obviously we lack of a big-bodied ruckman with some real mongrel, and we need more pace and class in the midfield to really pressure other sides around the footy and use the ball when we turn it over our way.

[gerkin greg]

all of the above - and above all all players must learn to run just as heard the other way - otherwise the backline will always be under the pump regardless of personel

enter rossco smith 

[one-eyed]

Sydney and Essendon are the most vulnerable of the top-eight teams of this season. They both won just over 50 per cent of their games and some of their seasoned campaigners aren't getting any younger. Teams such as Fremantle, North Melbourne, Richmond, Adelaide or the Western Bulldogs could easily replace them in the eight.

Richmond is tracking similar to North, with a midfield full of exciting youngsters, but the Tigers don't yet have the big-man strength of most other teams ahead of them.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/time-for-hawks-to-shine-in-2012/story-e6frg1xu-1226155166456

[Mr Magic]

Ruck is pressing but it's midfield for mine.

We still need greater depth through the middle an injury to a key onballer would see us badly exposed.

[tdy]

Backs and midfield are the areas we need to improve with our current players, they need to add weight so they can stand up in tackles and win collisons.  We need to recruit or draft a ruck.

We ought to draft or recruit a tall back too as Astbury may not make it.  You do seem to be able to recruit backmen, Tom Harley,  Mal Michael, Ted Richards, Brent Guerra the list goes on.  So if we could find one from another club it might be good.

The forwards are working OK. 

[one-eyed]

Odds for the 2012 premiership (Luxbet)

                        $
Collingwood     3.40
Geelong          4.25
Hawthorn        6.50
Carlton           9.00
West Coast    11
St Kilda          17
Essendon       19
Fremantle       19
Sydney           21
W.Bulldogs     26
North Melb.     31
Adelaide          34
Melbourne       46
Richmond        51
Brisbane        101
Gold Coast     126
Port Adelaide  126
GWS             201

https://www.luxbet.com/index.php?cPath=1413&event_id=ALL&market_type_id=-&period=&psid=14130110

[The Big Richo]

Coaching.

[Dubstep Dookie]

Odds for the 2012 premiership (Luxbet)

                        $
Collingwood     3.40
Geelong          4.25
Hawthorn        6.50
Carlton           9.00
West Coast    11
St Kilda          17
Essendon       19
Fremantle       19
Sydney           21
W.Bulldogs     26
North Melb.     31
Adelaide          34
Melbourne       46
Richmond        51
Brisbane        101
Gold Coast     126
Port Adelaide  126
GWS             201

https://www.luxbet.com/index.php?cPath=1413&event_id=ALL&market_type_id=-&period=&psid=14130110

Stkilda, Essendon, north 

Will be lucky to make the top 12

[Jackstar is back again]

interesting how poorly rated we are, considering GC and GWS

[Owl]

Hilarious...  Melbourne, Adelaide  and Freo all teams we beat, with sacked coaches and they are all above us, how the actual stuff do they come to these conclusions?  However, its money for jam betting that we would win a granny next year anyway, you would be burning your dollars. 

[Penelope]

50-1 is pathetic, gutless odds.

The reality is we should we be at least 100-1 if not 200-1, perhaps even longer

Geez, in all honestly, most people would say we don't have a snowflakes chance in hell.

50-1 LMAO

[tigs2011]

50-1 is pathetic, gutless odds.

The reality is we should we be at least 100-1 if not 200-1, perhaps even longer

Geez, in all honestly, most people would say we don't have a snowflakes chance in hell.

50-1 LMAO

Yer agreed we wont win anyway so what does it matter. COuld be 1,000,000-1, wont make a difference because we wont win.