Murray MiddletonPsychic Wednesday
July 1st 2008 13:01
Wednesday’s Column
At the beginning of the season I predicted what the ladder would look like at season’s end. While some of my predictions came true, others – such as West Coast finishing third – were a long way off the mark. After fourteen rounds the season seems to be taking shape. I have had ample opportunity to study all sixteen teams. It follows that I am in a better position to make an educated prediction as to the final composition of the ladder. My predictions are as follows:
Geelong
Western Bulldogs
Hawthorn
Sydney
Adelaide
Collingwood
Brisbane
North Melbourne
St. Kilda
Carlton
Richmond
Essendon
Fremantle
Port Adelaide
West Coast
Melbourne
With the exception of one match, Geelong’s form has been impeccable. They have introduced young players into the team – Taylor, Gamble, Prismall, Hawkins, West, Mumford – and have continued to play fast, attacking football. Barring serious injury, there is little doubt that the Cats will play off in the grand final. The Western Bulldogs have exceeded expectations. Their forward line is the most versatile in the competition. Their core playing group are in the prime of their careers. They seem ready to deliver on the promise that they showed in 2006. At this point Geelong and the Bulldogs are the two most likely teams to play off in the grand final.
Many pundits now consider Sydney to be the next in line if either Geelong or the Bulldogs stumble. The Swans have essentially changed a quarter of their side this year. Moore, Jack, Bird and Barlow played a handful of games between them last season. And Martin Mattner was not even at the club. Sydney covered the loss of Barry Hall well during his seven match suspension. They play tough football that has worked in the finals before. Their list has the most finals experience out of the top four teams. None-the-less, it remains unlikely that the Swans will be able to stop the run of Geelong or the Bulldogs.
Hawthorn are an interesting proposition. By the club’s own admission they limped into the break. Their performances over the past six weeks have been substandard. While this owes a lot to injury, it has also reflected the jaded mindset of some of their players. It is impossible to sustain the form that the Hawks showed in the opening eight rounds throughout the season. While it may sound fanciful at this point, Hawthorn remains a genuine threat to the top two teams. Their season so far has been reminiscent of St. Kilda’s 2004 campaign. By the time the finals arrived, the Saints were full of enthusiasm once more. There is every chance that the Hawks will re-discover their form in time for the finals. They are already in a strong position. They got a taste for finals action last year. Franklin doesn’t seem to feel pressure. This time around Hawthorn may well go all the way.
Although Collingwood slaughtered Geelong, their form has been too patchy. They will have to win four ‘blockbusters’ in a row if they are to win the premiership. Their list still isn’t ready. While Adelaide’s form has been solid, they simply do not have enough gun players to win a premiership. They are a well-drilled side who rarely suffers an upset defeat. The likes of Hawthorn, Geelong and the Bulldogs will all outclass the Crows in the finals. Brisbane are the only team outside the top four who might challenge. Brown and Bradshaw are proven performers. If Nigel Lappin can return to fitness, the Lions’ midfield will be hard to stop. Last Sunday’s loss to Melbourne does not bode well for the Lions. If they do remain in contention, it is worth remembering that they have the best coach in the competition.
At the beginning of the season I predicted what the ladder would look like at season’s end. While some of my predictions came true, others – such as West Coast finishing third – were a long way off the mark. After fourteen rounds the season seems to be taking shape. I have had ample opportunity to study all sixteen teams. It follows that I am in a better position to make an educated prediction as to the final composition of the ladder. My predictions are as follows:
Geelong
Western Bulldogs
Hawthorn
Sydney
Adelaide
Collingwood
Brisbane
St. Kilda
Carlton
Richmond
Essendon
Fremantle
Port Adelaide
West Coast
Melbourne
With the exception of one match, Geelong’s form has been impeccable. They have introduced young players into the team – Taylor, Gamble, Prismall, Hawkins, West, Mumford – and have continued to play fast, attacking football. Barring serious injury, there is little doubt that the Cats will play off in the grand final. The Western Bulldogs have exceeded expectations. Their forward line is the most versatile in the competition. Their core playing group are in the prime of their careers. They seem ready to deliver on the promise that they showed in 2006. At this point Geelong and the Bulldogs are the two most likely teams to play off in the grand final.
Many pundits now consider Sydney to be the next in line if either Geelong or the Bulldogs stumble. The Swans have essentially changed a quarter of their side this year. Moore, Jack, Bird and Barlow played a handful of games between them last season. And Martin Mattner was not even at the club. Sydney covered the loss of Barry Hall well during his seven match suspension. They play tough football that has worked in the finals before. Their list has the most finals experience out of the top four teams. None-the-less, it remains unlikely that the Swans will be able to stop the run of Geelong or the Bulldogs.
Hawthorn are an interesting proposition. By the club’s own admission they limped into the break. Their performances over the past six weeks have been substandard. While this owes a lot to injury, it has also reflected the jaded mindset of some of their players. It is impossible to sustain the form that the Hawks showed in the opening eight rounds throughout the season. While it may sound fanciful at this point, Hawthorn remains a genuine threat to the top two teams. Their season so far has been reminiscent of St. Kilda’s 2004 campaign. By the time the finals arrived, the Saints were full of enthusiasm once more. There is every chance that the Hawks will re-discover their form in time for the finals. They are already in a strong position. They got a taste for finals action last year. Franklin doesn’t seem to feel pressure. This time around Hawthorn may well go all the way.
Although Collingwood slaughtered Geelong, their form has been too patchy. They will have to win four ‘blockbusters’ in a row if they are to win the premiership. Their list still isn’t ready. While Adelaide’s form has been solid, they simply do not have enough gun players to win a premiership. They are a well-drilled side who rarely suffers an upset defeat. The likes of Hawthorn, Geelong and the Bulldogs will all outclass the Crows in the finals. Brisbane are the only team outside the top four who might challenge. Brown and Bradshaw are proven performers. If Nigel Lappin can return to fitness, the Lions’ midfield will be hard to stop. Last Sunday’s loss to Melbourne does not bode well for the Lions. If they do remain in contention, it is worth remembering that they have the best coach in the competition.
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