I have reasonably modest expectations for this season - I would say winning 1 final would be "mission achieved" as I'm expecting that this will be the end of season where we commence a more aggressive approach to free agency and trading.
On that basis, last nights win was critical.
If you assumed a loss next week, we go into the bye at 5 & 5 with hopefully a decent %.
After Freo, our next 5 are Eagles, Swans, GWS, Carlton & St kilda.
With home games against the Eagles and GWS, I would be thinking we should be seriously expecting a 4 & 1 split before the final 7 rounds.
At 9 wins and 6 losses and a decent %, we can go 3 & 4 when playing Freo (at home), Hawks, Crows (away), Gold Coast (home), Collingwood, Essendon and the Kangas with 12 wins and % probably getting you in the 8 in an even year.
A loss last night would've made it pretty tough.
A tough run home but there is definitely 3-4 wins there if we can maintain our current effort and intensity which is compensating for a slight lack of class.
Finals again still makes us mid tier but with money, facilities and continued improvement from our younger brigade of Ellis (x2), Menadue, McIntosh, big Benny G and a resigned Alex Rance
, there is something to pitch to the likes of Dangerfield, Sheils (if he doesn't resign) or even trading for some of Carltons talent to start building the class and depth which will help us challenge the top 4 sides.
