WHO WILL JUMP?Paul Roos
Herald-Sun
Saturday, 23 March 2013THERE always appears to be a team that jumps up out of nowhere and last year it was the Adelaide Crows. I don't have them in my top four and think they may drop down the ladder.
The loss of Tippet is a big one, and time will tell as to whether they played at their absolutely optimum last season.
That brings us to the next debate as to who may jump up in 2013.
I believe the two most likely teams, despite the Brisbane Lions' outstanding pre-season, are Richmond and Essendon.
The only reason I don't have them in the eight is because I can't make a case for other teams to drop out.
Richmond's biggest problem last season was losing close games and there is no doubt that would have been a huge focus in their off-season.
Role-playing at training and placing players in game like situations would have happened on a regular basis. If they can arrest that worrying trend and win the close games, finals are a genuine consideration.
The Bombers' best 22 looks competitive. Last year they were cruelled by injury and also struggled to match the top teams run.
They looked to have had a much harder pre-season and will start 2013 a lot more confident with their running capacity.
Zaharakis is extremely important to them as he will give them another hard-running midfielder, something they lacked last year.
If they can put the turmoil of the off-season out of their minds, they like Richmond, will genuinely challenge for a spot in the eight.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/four-teams-can-win-premiership-in-2013/story-fnelctok-1226603699842