The bookies apparently have us 6th in line for the 2016 premiership.
Who can challenge the Hawks?Adelaide Advertiser
October 11, 2015HAWTHORN is — by the bookmaker’s count of the money — the favourite to win the 2016 AFL premiership, extending its dynasty to four consecutive flags.
But who is the real challenger to the Hawks’ empire — or, as some may feel, the next victim to Alastair Clarkson’s genius in the AFL grand final?
The first betting market has West Coast favoured for a repeat challenge against the Hawks — and Port Adelaide to rebound from its disappointment to emerge as the next likely contender.
Much will change in the next month as the biggest player market opens at Etihad Stadium at 9.30am on Monday with the AFL trade period. Sydney’s status would be significantly enhanced — particularly with the Swans now able to trade again — by finding a key defender or new ruckman.
So how does the field look today? Teams are rated by the betting chart with figure in brackets detailing this year’s raking.
(2) WEST COAST $4.25
(9) PORT ADELAIDE $4.75
(3) FREMANTLE $9 - Lyon may watching events at Collingwood and Richmond where his third AFL coaching job may emerge.
(5) SYDNEY $11
(7) RICHMOND $13
KEVIN Bartlett says it is still “Tiger Time”. That gag noting Fitzroy, that is no longer a stand-alone club, has won more VFL-AFL finals since 1982 (Richmond’s last appearance in a grand final) hurts but highlights the pressure on the Tigers — and coach Damien Hardwick — after losing three consecutive elimination finals. West Coast did such in 2002-2004 — and then played in a grand final in 2005 and won a flag in 2006.
(6) ADELAIDE $13
(4) NORTH MELBOURNE $15
(10) GEELONG $15
(8 ) W BULLDOGS $17
(12) COLLINGWOOD $26
(11) GWS $34
(16) GOLD COAST $51
(15) ESSENDON $67
(14) ST KILDA $126
(13) MELBOURNE $126
(18) CARLTON $126
(17) BRISBANE $126
Betting odds from UBet.http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/as-hawthorn-starts-the-race-to-the-2016-afl-premiership-as-the-favourite-which-rival-is-the-genuine-challenger/story-fnia3nqh-1227563581616