Our premiership window is still coming (around 9 o'clock) according to the Herald-Sun ...
THE PREMIERSHIP WINDOWS ...Glenn McFarlane
Herald Sun
August 01, 2013 12:00PM HERE AND NOW:Hawthorn - 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock
Ready, willing and able - just as it was last season. The Hawks have the necessary experience and incentive to win it, following heartbreaking losses in last year's Grand Final and the 2011 preliminary final. And in a deliberate strategy, the list seems fresher than it was 12 months ago.
Sydney - 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock
Why can't they just do it again? There is no evidence that the Swans have slipped. If anything the addition of Tom Mitchell and Kurt Tippett, and the continued development of players such as Luke Parker have countered the injury issues they have faced this season. The oldest team in the comp, so the addition of new blood to the Bloods will be important in the coming seasons.
Geelong - 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock
Who says the Cats need to bottom out? So long as they keep fostering the kids and keep recruiting genius Stephen Wells happy, this window looks to be open for some time to come. The five 'thirty-somethings' will have phased out in the coming years, but the Cats have made it an art form in recent years.
STILL COMING:Fremantle - 10 o'clock to 11 o'clock
The Dockers need to make a move and play off for a premiership - or at the very least make a prelim - while the likes of Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin and Aaron Sandilands are still able. So far they have failed to attract a big-name forward, if they manage to do that, they could slip into the Here and Now column next season.
Essendon - between 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock
There has to be an asterisk about Essendon and their future aspirations. A lot of this is going to depend on the outcome of the ASADA-AFL investigations and what penalties might apply if they are found guilty. If there are no sanctions that affects the on-going football operations, they are well placed in the next few years.
Collingwood - between 9 o'clock and 10'clock
A clear change in strategy from the Magpies this year in the blooding of new players, largely through the necessity of a massive injury list. Perhaps Nathan Buckley is content to go one step backwards to advance two further steps next year and beyond. Still capable of pushing when the best team is available.
Richmond - around 9 o'clock
The Tigers will make the finals for only the third time in a generation, so that's a good thing. Still a fair way off the best teams as we have seen on occasions this season, but building nicely. Must be shooting for top four next season.STILL SOME WORK TO DO:West Coast - 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock
A big flop in 2013. A shadow of the team that many tipped to win the flag, and they will need to manage the exits of some long-serving Eagles before they can start to think about winning flags once more. Still plenty of talent, but needs to have its full list free of injury to make a difference.
North Melbourne - 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock
Win the close games this season and the Kangaroos would be well entrenched in the eight now. That's the difference. Overcoming that mental hurdle to close out games won't be easy, but if Brad Scott's team can do that, they will be back on track in 2014. The talent is there; now we want to see the mental toughness.
Adelaide - 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock
Was 2012 an aberration? Perhaps. The Crows have been one of the big disappointments of the season and now face plenty of work to get back to where they used to be. Almost made a Grand Final last year, but a reliance on too few (Patrick Dangerfield predominantly) sees them a million miles away from that now.
Carlton - 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock
It's going to be tougher than Mick Malthouse thought. That's not his fault. It's a simple statement of the fact. The list isn't that impressive, and Malthouse has admitted it will need a significant overhaul next year to put the Blues back on the pathway to the top four. Desperately needs to chase a key forward.
Port Adelaide - 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock
The surprise packet of the season. Well done to Ken Hinkley and his football club for changing perceptions in a rapid move. The great thing about the Power's much improved season is that its best players are among its youngest players. Has the third youngest list in the AFL and most of them are locked away on long-term deals.
Gold Coast - 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock
How scary are the Suns going to be in a few years' time. They have the greatest capacity of any team to wind the premiership clock forward - if you need any validation, just ask Collingwood. The young talent is enormous, they have the best player in the competition in Gary Ablett and the future is theirs for the taking.
STILL PLENTY OF WORK TO DO:Brisbane - 6 o'clock to 7 o'clock
Been an OK season for the Lions, winning as many games (seven) as West Coast, North Melbourne and Adelaide to this stage. Sure they have got some older guys in the team, but at least they are building for the future.
Western Bulldogs - 6 o'clock to 7 o'clock
The last three weeks have shown the Bulldogs are on the improve, with solid performances against Essendon and Hawthorn, and a good win over West Coast. There is still a lot of work to do - and a key forward to chase - but the next two seasons should at least see them push into the next bracket.
Greater Western Sydney - 6 o'clock
No wins yet this year (that might change on Saturday), but the Giants have stockpiled young talent that most clubs would drool over. And a team with Jeremy Cameron in the side, they can do just about anything with the right people around him.
IN NO MAN'S LAND:Melbourne - 4 o'clock to 5 o'clock
Massive task for whoever takes on the Demons as coach to turn them around in the next 3-4 years. It won't be easy as they are still probably somewhere near Ground Zero now in terms of playing stocks.
St Kilda - 4 o'clock
Can you believe the Saints have the second oldest list in the competition? Wow, that spells trouble. Six players over 30 and a further 10 between the ages of 25-29 is a huge cause for concern. Hard to see this team turning it around anytime soon. Needs to use the draft to do work the hard way.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/please-explain-glenn-mcfarlane-takes-a-look-at-when-the-premiership-clock-may-strike-for-your-club/story-fnect155-1226689469158
