2015 Predictions

Yep - they're back. The most inaccurate and poorly written season predictions you'll read all year (Shane Crawford's SC articles aside). I've taken a slightly different approach this time round, as we've got a season's worth of data. Instead of the boring alphabetical approach of last yearI've picked what I think is each team's best XV and given them their 2014 averages, to produce a total score. Players who are known non-starters (e.g. Kreuzer for my boys) haven't been included. I'll be posting the reviews in reverse order from 18 to 1, hopefully getting through 2-3 per day. I've also analysed each line of each team and copied CD in applying some classifications. So you'll see your lines referred to as: Line ranking Classification
1-3 Elite
4-6 Excellent
7-9 Above average
10-12 Below average
13-15 Poor
16-18 Less than poor (trying to be diplomatic)
There are some surprises (at least to me), although I don't think anyone would struggle to guess which team finished in the number one spot! ******
18. Nuytsland Vikings - It's a hard knock life”
Score: 1066
Age: 22.87 (16th)
Games: 42.46 (17th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Grimes <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Rampe <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Mayes <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Tuohy <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Greenwood <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Viney <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Ziebel <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
M.Crouch <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Grundy <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
T. Mitchell <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Robinson <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Howlett <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
B. Martin <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
S. Ross <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Biggs <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP


Bryzza would have every right to be cursing the FU gods right now. After inheriting one of the cellar dwellers, he embarked on a clever and radical rebuilding campaign, jettisoning the captain, Jobe Watson and mercurial talent Rioli to obtain the best young talent in the draft.
Unfortunately , as we all know, Petracca busted his knee and won't feature in 2015. But even worse for the Vikings, Hanley, their only 100+ averaging player is also out for a decent part of the season. Losing a star midfielder would hurt any team in the FU, but the Vikings are the team that can least afford it. This injury pushed the Vikings' midfield into the LTP category and they are the only team to have all five lines at that ranking.
Which all suggests a long 2015 for the Nuytsland boys. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel - mainly coming out of Sydney. Titch was a great get up forward from Eden, while Heeney was one of the best gets in the draft. Hopefully for Bryzza both get a decent amount of game time.
Prediction: Like Petracca these guys will be good, unfortunately just not in 2015. Their clash with the Crocs looks like the best chance of registering a win this season.

17. Cow Bay Crocs - the midfielder killing ground&amp;rdquo;
Score: 1093
Age: 22.13 (youngest)
Games: 37.31 (18th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Everitt <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Hampton <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Garland <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Talia <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Libba <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Rich <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Scully <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Merrett <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Lycett <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Gunston <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Hrovat <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Patton <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Cameron <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Ceglar <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
J. Martin <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP

Fresh must have been a tagger in his playing days, cos he seems to have something against established midfielders. After punting GAJ in that trade before the comp even started, he then got rid of Andrew Swallow in last year's mid-seasontrade period. Then this year Brandon Ellis, a 97 averaging mid, who would almost be guaranteed to crack the ton this year, got the chop. That's a lot of talent lost from a midfield that currently doesn't have a lot of depth.
In his defence these trades lead to two of the most wanted players in the FU, Scott Lycett and Jack Martin arriving at Cow Bay. The GC/WCE clash in round 23 last year highlights why these guys are wanted so desperately - Martin with 4 goals and 19 disposals, while on the other side Lycett picked up 21 disposals, not at all bad for a young ruck.
Lycett's arrival lifted the Croc's ruck ranking from LTP to poor, but it will certainly be at least above average by year's end.
It's also a stacked young forward line with all the GWS tall-timber in Patton, Cameron and Boyd (he's still there right?) and the quality Gunston.
Prediction: The youngest team in the comp will again struggle for wins, but they are amassing some of the comp's best youngsters, so the future is looking bright. I'm just keen to come up with a trade offer for Libba for Fresh to consider mid-season.
16. Serengeti Buffaloes - I bless the rucks down in Africa&amp;rdquo;
Score: 1155
Age: 22.42 (17th)
Games: 48.62 (16th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
May <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
O'Shea <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Haynes <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Varcoe <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Dangerfield <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Polec <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
S. Selwood <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
B. Hill <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Hickey <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Elliot <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Matera <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Dixon <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Z. Merrett <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Dunstan <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Trengove <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor


WB obviously made the decision for generational change in the off-season getting rid of veterans Hurn, Deledio, Murphy and Chappy, and reasonably experienced defenders in Atley and Henderson. As a coach whose team was flogged by the Buffaloes last year this came as somewhat of a shock. However, it's hard to argue with the results, as there is plenty of room for improvement in this line-up.
The ruck division of Hickey and Longer is currently the best ranked line in the team, and by cleverly handcuffing the Saints' ruckmen together WB has guaranteed a starter in a line that often causes coaches problems.
However, I would expect that the mid and forward lines will both improve their ranking this year. In 2014 both Danger and S. Selwood had their quietest seasons in 3 years (although free agency does lead to some strange results), while Brad Hill is on an upward trajectory (and as an aside would be a hell of a lot of fun to watch in your team).
And up-front ex-Smuggler Charlie Dixon surely can't reproduce the season of shite he dished up in 2014 (not that I'm bitter or anything).
Prediction: It's a big step up between 16th and 15th in total points, so this is about their overall level for now, but the Buffaloes will claim some surprise scalps (probably the Smugglers again) this year.

15. Gisborne Grenades - It's ok to lie about your age&amp;rdquo;
Score: 1254
Age: 25.06 (8th)
Games: 82.62 (12th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Jaensch <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Grundy <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Seedsman <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Hombsch <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
McVeigh <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
S. Hill <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Douglas <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Thomas <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Maric <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
J. Riewoldt <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Christensen <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Billings <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Podsiadly <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
L. Neale <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
C Masten <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average


Another team with early injury concerns (although surely they can't be as bad as last year) with young defender Ryan Harwood looking like missing the first month of the season. Luckily for Tomster, CD team of the decade defender Brian Lake answered a last minute call to add depth to the Grenade's backline.
When the boss posted in the discussion forum that he expected the Grenades to be a force in years to come I was thinking he'd pulled together a youngish squad. Hence my surprise when the numbers showed that Gisborne are actually six months older than the average FU list.
That's not to say that there aren't some talented young &amp;lsquo;uns running around the Macedon Ranges - Billings and Christensen form a nice duo around which to build a forward line, which will only be improved by first-round pick Jack Steele in a few years.
However, the Grenades' two top scorers, B&F winner McVeigh and the Mullet are the wrong side of 29. And SC scoring doesn't normally improve after that age.
Prediction: It's quite even from 12-15th so the Grenades could finish anywhere in that region. Sneak a few wins, which isn't out of the realms of possibility for this squad, and they could finish higher, but I think the 8 is beyond them this year.
14. Ararat Armadillos - How the mighty have fallen&amp;rdquo;
Score: 1278
Age: 24.29 (14th)
Games: 83.04 (11th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Hibberd <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
McKenzie <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Lumumba <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Broughton <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Treloar <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
J. Steven <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Cross <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Vince <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Minson <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Wingard <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Dahlhaus <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Edwards <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Tomlinson <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Wells <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Jamar <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor


The first big surprise of the predictions - reigning premiers not to make the final 8. That's not to say I think they'll definitely finish this low, 8-10th is more realistic, but Insider can plan his August holidays now.
Let's start with the positives - Treloar, Wells and Steven should both improve on their 2014 output, which should see Ararat's midfield be ranked excellent by year's end.
Big Willy Style in the ruck can certainly improve on his 93 average, although possibly not to 2013 levels.
But I think the Armadillos strength is down back with Hibberd and McKenzie especially able to rack up quality defender scores.
On the other side of the coin though - I'm not as bullish on Steven as others in the League obviously are. A guy who'll cop the tag each week in the team likely to win the spoon? Possibly a good buy, just not in season 2015.
Also Cross and Vince are likely to have a drop off in an improving (slowly) Melbourne midfield. There's good young talent in Lonergan, Taylor, Broomhead and others, but I think this is a season too soon for them to cover the veterans' fall.
So all in all a down season before the Premier's return to the 8 next year.
Prediction: The past season has taught us two certainties about Ararat - firstly, Insider has an eye for talent, so they always perform better than expected. Secondly, they'll <s>rip off</s> complete a mutually beneficial deal with Eden in the trade period. We can add a third this year - no back-to-back for the Armadillos.
13. Banchang BarCrawlers - Musical positions&amp;rdquo;
Score: 1283
Age: 24.67 (11th)
Games: 72.85 (15th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Hodge <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Suckling <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Docherty <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Winderlich <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
J. Selwood <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
D. Swallow <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Gibson <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Montagna <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Warnock <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
McGovern <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Walters <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Cooney <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Blair <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Whiley <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Pike <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average


It was harder to pick a starting XV for Banchang than any other side. A couple of decent swingmen and depth in the def and fwds means the team Chop names for R1 could be quite a bit different than this one.
That depth will give the BarCrawlers a couple of wins, as we saw last year that getting 15 on the field can be a struggle at some points throughout the season.
However, depth can only get you so far. Banchang's mids and interchange were only a point off being above average, so they're close, but this still means that at least half the competition is starting with stronger lines than the Thai boys.
Is there improvement in the lines to push up the ladder? Undoubtedly. Docherty and McGovern could be in for big years, and Taylor Adams (who doesn't even make the starting line-up) could be anything.
But (unfortunately it was always coming Chop), there are some players whose scoring is trending in the wrong direction (looking at you Hodgey, Joey and Coon-dog-although could we see a final hurrah in a new environment from him?).
They're a chance to make the 8, but don't quite have the firepower to match it with the big boys yet.
Prediction: These BarCrawlers have depth, a couple of top-shelf mids and some cracking young talent. Chop's pulling together a squad and a half, but 2015 is too early to see them challenging.

12. Eden Whalers - Retire to the lovely South Coast&amp;rdquo;
Score: 1286
Age: 25.81 (2nd)
Games: 102.04 (3rd)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Malceski <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Trengove <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Henderson <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Smith <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Jones <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Griffen <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Murphy <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Miles <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Leuenberger <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
LTP
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Pavlich <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Jenkins <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Boomer <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Dawes <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Curnow <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Crisp <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Excellent


Our first excellent line ratings - with Eden having the 6th best midfield and interchange in the FU. They're also hard done by in the rucks, with Leuey's average heavily affected by injury. So assuming he stays fit, and big Stefan doesn't shark too many points, there's easily improvement there.
A couple of other 26y.os should also drive Eden up the rankings. Henderson down back will easily improve on his own injury plagued 2014, while ex-Smuggler (all the good ones are) Dawes should beat his 67 point average in a Melbourne line-up that simply has to kick more goals than last year.
Eden is all about the veterans though, with the starting XV having an average age of 27.3. So you would expect some scoring to drop off for the older guys. However, I'll go against my age bias and say that a change of clubs for the Esky and Griffen will lead to similar scores as 2014 for those two Whalers. And given I have a man-crush on Pav I can't say anything bad about him. But surely this is the year Boomer falls away? Surely?
Prediction: Definitely a danger team, who have the ability to knock off anyone (except the number 1 side) on their day. As Holky says they'll cause plenty of trouble of paradise.

11. Staghorn Flat Bulls -
Score: 1319
Age: 24.52 (12th)
Games: 98.04 (6th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Birchall <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Kelly <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Mackie <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Ibbotson <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Rockliff <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Stanton <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Coniglio <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Boyd <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
McEvoy <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Roughhead <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
T. Lynch (GCS) <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Bird <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Jetta <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Bastinac <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Dempster <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor


It is simplistic and lazy analysis to attribute a team's success to one player - so I'm going to do it. The Bulls are all about Rocky. As evidence look at where the Bulls were prior to round 15 last year-struggling to make the 8 and dropping games to teams they would expect to beat. Then, Rocky goes bamn, averages 149 from then on (around 27 more than he was averaging at that point), and the Bulls make the Granny.
However, I remembering reading somewhere (apologies can't remember the source and can't find it now) that of all the players (around 30 from recollection) to increase their SC average by 20 or more points in a season, as Rocky did from 2013 to 2014, only Swan and GAJ improved the next year. Is Rocky as good as Swan and GAJ in their prime? Possibly, but the odds are against him maintaining his 132 average. Rocky has done this once before, going from 86 in 2010 to 114 in 2011, only to drop back to 97 in 2012.
Added to this Boyd and Stanton are trending downwards, and I can't see a reason for that to change this year.
Tyze paid a high price for Coniglio, but I think it was the trade of the pre-season, as he should explode this year. However, no matter how much he improves it won't be enough to cover the fact that three out of four in the midfield should go backwards.
So where is the improvement coming from? You'd expect Big Boy McEvoy to get more game time this year, and push his average closer to 100. Bastinac might be the beneficiary of Levi's departure from Arden Street, but equally could miss out on a spot in the Roo's 22 such is their depth. While Ibbo will definitely improve his average, but definitely not play the full season.
Prediction: Should be part of a large group fighting for the lower spots in the 8. If Rocky is the new perma-captain then they could easily come second (unsurprising preview of things to come - 17 teams are playing for second this year).

10. Coolgardie Prospectors - The Prospectors have a forward line! (just don't mention the defence)&amp;rdquo;
Score: 1328
Age: 25.21 (5th)
Games: 74.12 (14th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Hooker <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Baguley <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Jonas <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Ellis <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
JPK <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Ebert <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Wines <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
O'Meara <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Mumford <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Westhoff <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Petterd <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Wright <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Petrie <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Martin <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Hutchings <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Elite


In this preview last year I didn't particularly rate the Prospectors' forwards, a comment which came back a few times throughout the season. JPK will be pleased (although like everyone he really shouldn't value my opinion that highly) that I think that the boys from Coolgardie now actually have a reasonable forward line. In fact the Prospectors' forward line is so reasonable, that it is the 9th best in the comp and smack bang on the average for points scored. Doesn't get more reasonable than that.
Unfortunately the same can't be said for the Defence which is ranked 15th. So let's focus on the positives and look at the first elite lines of these reviews - Coolgardie's Ruck and Interchange.
The big Mummy was a huge part of Coolgardie's rise to the top of the ladder last year and with the departure of Big Coxy he is arguably more important for their chances this year. That's because I can't see his back-up, big Stefan Martin (who is the reason the Prospector's interchange is ranked elite) repeating his 2014 season. After seven years in the system it was his first 100+ season and bettered his previous best average by 26 points. If Leuey stays fit then a near-certain drop-off in Martin's scoring is guaranteed.
But despite having two elite lines I actually think the midfield is where Coolgardie's greatest strength, and room for improvement, lies. It's not unreasonable to assume that all four starting mids will increase their average by at least 5 points - JPK and Ebert have been at that level before and have the age profile to get there again. While Wines and O'Meara (who will have to overcome the disappointment of being put on the trade table) are two of the best young mids going round, and will simply get there through natural progression. As a sign of how close the bracket from 5th-11th is, that improvement would see the Prospectors jump up to 5th.
Prediction: I haven't used the word reasonable and its variants enough in this review. So, the Prospectors will have a reasonable season, reasonably likely to finish just outside the 8. I'm guessing JPK will be reasonably unhappy with that.


<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s3]9. Korumburra Blowflies[span class='s3]- If you're not moving forward you're moving backward (or some other[span class='s3]wanky[span class='s3]management consultant phrase about inactivity)&amp;rdquo; <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s3]
<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]Score:[span class='s2]1335 <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]Age:[span class='s2]24.87 (9[span class='s4]th[span class='s2]) <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]Games:[span class='s2]93.69 (7[span class='s4]th[span class='s2]) <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]
<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s3]Starting XV <table style='border: black;] <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Walker <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Enright <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Dunn <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Williams <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Excellent
<td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Sloane <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Johnson <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Greene <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Stokes <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Elite
<td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Goldstein <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2] <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2] <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2] <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Excellent
<td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Motlop <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Turner <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Clarke <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Cloke <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Poor
<td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Cornes <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Puopolo <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2] <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2] <td class='s2' style='text-align: left;] <div> <p class='s2][span class='s2]Below average
<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;] <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]As mentioned in the Forum, the Blowflies were the hard luck story of the FU in 2014 as they were easily in the 8 on total points, but never really in the race for finals -the anti-Prospectors if you like. <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;] <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]So[span class='s2], based on last year's performance,[span class='s2][span class='s2]the Blowflies[span class='s2][span class='s2]really shouldn'[span class='s2]t need[span class='s2]a huge[span class='s2](if any)[span class='s2]improvement[span class='s2]to make the finals.[span class='s2]However, a very quiet trade period has meant that several teams have overtaken Korumburra in the race for the 8. <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]
<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]So what's going to get the Blowflies into the finals this time round? [span class='s2]Well, having the equal second best midfield in the comp is a decent start.[span class='s2]Sloane is the absolute gem, and should hold his 115 average as he enters his peak years. Greene came home like an absolute train averaging 129(!)[span class='s2]in the final 7 games of last year. While I don't think it is controversial to say that he won't keep that up, an improving GWS side should see a lift in his overall scoring this year. <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]
<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]Throw in one of the best rucks in[span class='s2]Goldy[span class='s2](with some handy understudies in Clarke and[span class='s2]Blicavs[span class='s2]) and you have two lines that are likely to be elite at season's end. <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]
<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s2]But[span class='s2]the counter to all that? There's some age an injury concerns in Korumburra. Walker's knees are a problem down back. While the 3 aging cats have to fail down at some point[span class='s2], which I think will be this year[span class='s2].[span style='padding-left: 36px;]? <p class='s2' style='color: #000000;]
<p class='s2' style='color: #000000;][span class='s3]Prediction:[span class='s3][span class='s2]Will be thereabouts in the bottom of the 8 or just outside.[span class='s2]They'll have plenty of 8 point[span class='s2]games this season as[span class='s2]5[span class='s4]th[span class='s2]-11[span class='s4]th[span class='s2]is very tight.
8. Groote Eylandt Barracudas - All about that Bont
Score: 1339
Age: 25.18 (6th)
Games: 93.35 (8th)
Starting XV <table style='border: currentcolor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;]
Frawley <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Murphy <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Burgoyne <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Firrito <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Gibbs <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Lewis <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Cotchin <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Hannebery <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Nicholls <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Vickery <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Darling <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Zorko <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
The Bont <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average
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Cunnington <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Guthrie <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
<td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.45pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;]
Above average


I pumped up the tyres of the Groote boys pretty hard last year, saying that anything less than a prelim appearance would be a disappointing season. So to have them miss the finals (albeit in controversial circumstances) was a huge surprise.
I especially rated the young-gun midfield of Cotch, Gibbs, Hannebery and Cunnington and expected all four of them to improve on their 2013 output to make Groote a contender. As is typical of my predictions I was 50% correct. Gibbs and Hannebery improved, while Cotch and Cunnington went backwards.
Unfortunately I'm nowhere near as bullish this year.
I think all four will stay very close to their 2014 performance - which as a Tigers' fan hurts me to say as I'd love to see Cotch improve. But perhaps it's time to face the fact that Supercoach isn't his go and he's a 105, not a 120 midfielder.
Throw in Lewis' almost certain regression to his mean of mid-90's rather than his career season's 109 and Groote's midfield quickly loses a lot of its shine.
There's also questions over the Ruck division, with Nicholls arguably failing behind Smith at the GC, although back-up Giles should get games (even without ASADA's help).
So where are the positives - simply all up forward. Who doesn't love the Bont, and expect him to absolutely blitz his 79 average (2nd year curse be damned)? While Darling should also continue on his upward trajectory.
Prediction: There's too much class in the squad not to beat most teams, but not quite enough to beat the class squads. So, YAD will be pleased to know I'm jumping off the Cudas this year and putting my kiss of death elsewhere.
7. King Island Monarchs - The A and the C list Score: 1344 Age: 24.78 (10th) Games: 93 (9th) Starting XV <table border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' style='border: none;] <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: 1pt solid; text-align: left;]
Rance <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Houli <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Broadbent <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Newnes <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Priddis <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Boak <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Dal Santo <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Macrae <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
NicNat <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Walker <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Kennedy <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Betts <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Henderson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Zaharakis <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Thompson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
As one of only two teams to have three elite lines, the Monarchs are in rarefied FU company. Unfortunately for Tylo, there's quite a step down to the rest of the squad. I can't see the forward line lifting its rating and unfortunately that's enough to see them fall out of top 4 considerations. There's a decent chance however that the boys at the other end of the field finish the year as the FU's best defence - especially with Newnes bound to finish the season as one of the highest-scoring defenders (at least I'm sure that's what we're all hoping for our SC sides' sake). Prediction: A couple of tweaks and they'd be a lock for top four and a decent chance at the flag. Unfortunately the age profile of key midfielders, and their depth especially up front, works against them. Not a team you want to meet in the first week of the finals though. 6. Hughenden Prairie Dogs Score: 1345 Age: 25.41 (3rd) Games: 109.96 (4th) Starting XV <table border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' style='border: none;] <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: 1pt solid; text-align: left;]
Fisher <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Hansen <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Chaplin <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Spurr <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Ward <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Jack <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Shiel <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Mitchell <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Sandilands <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Waite <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Hawkins <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Breust <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
White <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Smith <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Shiels <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Excellent
Prediction: Making the 8 should be the minimum goal for Batfink in his debut season. The squad is certainly good enough. 5. Christmas Island Smugglers - Quality Antique Bookends&amp;rdquo; Score: 1347 Age: 25.08 (7th) Games: 102.27 (2nd) Starting XV <table border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' style='border: none;] <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: 1pt solid; text-align: left;]
Hurn <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Johnson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Harbrow <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Vlastuin <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Heppell <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Redden <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Hartlett <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Tyson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Poor
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
McIntosh <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Martin <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Deledio <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
LeCras <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Tippett <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Judd <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Witts <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Above average
This review last year asked the question if the Smuggler's forward line was the best in the comp. Well, it can be answered this year in the affirmative. Xmas Island has the highest averaging forwards in the comp, 10 points per player better than the FU average. There's similar quality at the other end of the ground, with new recruits Hurn and Vlastuin looking to improve significantly on their 2014 performances. Unfortunately the midfield is solid but certainly not spectacular (Heppell aside). While the ruck could be a big issue, as with Kreuzer's injury and Witts and McIntosh not being guaranteed starters, OOP players could feature significantly this year at Flying Fish Cove Park. Prediction: The best-looking coach in the FU has put together a squad capable of beating anyone on its day, assuming they're all fit, not suspended or prematurely retired. And given how the pre-season has gone, all of those are going to happen. Wooden spooners for sure. 4. Blanchetown Bunyips Score: 1356 Age: 25.38 (4th) Games: 98.46 (5th) Starting XV <table border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' style='border: none;] <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: 1pt solid; text-align: left;]
Fletcher <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Duffield <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Thompson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Atley <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Pendles <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Prestia <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Armitage <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Pearce <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Above average
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Jacobs <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Gray <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Chappy <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Schulz <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Ballantyne <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Whitfield <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Langford <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Poor
Prediction: Like last year will be in the hunt for the top 4. And like last year they'll get there. But no further. 3. Southern Cross Sandgropers - Knock down rebuild&amp;rdquo; Score: 1367 Age: 23.41(15th) Games: 79.85 (13th) Starting XV <table border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' style='border: none;] <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: 1pt solid; text-align: left;]
Taylor <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Hurley <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Yarran <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
McDonald <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Below average
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Fyfe <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Swallow <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Duncan <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Shuey <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Ryder <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Swan <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Bartel <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Rioli <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Stringer <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Excellent
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Gaff <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<s>Crouch</s> Myers <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Excellent
At the start of the FU EE said that the Gropers were playing the waiting game and had been put together to win the comp in 3-4 years. But in this trade period it became obvious that EE was now following the immortal words of HJ Simpson that the waiting game sucks, let's play Hungry, Hungry Hippos&amp;rdquo;. So a lot of the youth has been punted to bring in some quality veterans. Executing the FU's most controversial trade to bring Bartel and Swan west is now looking like a masterstroke as given his move into the midfield, Bartel is looking like one of the buys of the season. Ryder's performance will go a long way in determining how successful the Gropers are, as there's really no depth in Southern Cross' ruck department. So EE will be more interested than most as to how the yet unknown Ryder/Lobbe combination at Port will play out. Prediction: EE's aggressive trading is obviously trying to buy a premiership this year. He'll go close, and I'll say top 4 is almost a certainty, but unfortunately the Gropers won't quite get to the flag this year. 2. Pearcedale Panthers - Dude, that's so deep&amp;rdquo; Score: 1369 Age: 24.42 (13th) Games: 86.5 (10th) Starting XV <table border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' style='border: none;] <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: 1pt solid; text-align: left;]
Shaw <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Howe <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Smith <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Gibson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
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Parker <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Ellis <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Mundy <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
McGlynn <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Above average
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Lobbe <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
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Excellent
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Smith <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Bennell <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Thomas <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Palmer <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Above average
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Rosa <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Conca <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
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Below average
Pearcedale was my dark horse last year. Now they're simply an out and out favourite. TTT paid a high price to get Ellis but I think this is the year he explodes, so he's a great buy. Continuing the simplistic analysis (my brain switched off a little while ago) - Smith and Bennell in the forward line are very good players and will score well. But the biggest sign that the Panthers are in for a big season is who doesn't make the starting XV. Caddy, Reid, Ray and J.Thomas among others, are fighting for a spot in Pearcedale's line-up while being walk-up starts in most other teams (although I did write this before Reid's latest injury and Thomas' tainted meat!). As we saw last year being able to select a team from 20 or so players is a huge advantage over an opponent who's struggling to field 15. <p style='margin-left: 36pt;]Prediction: There's a lot to like about Pearcedale - young guns across all lines and plenty of depth for when injuries/suspensions strike. A dead set cert for the top 4, and would be a good chance at the flag, except for the existence of&amp;hellip; 1.Pakenham Parasites -One thing is for certain: there is no stopping them; the Parasites will soon be here. And I for one welcome our new FU overlords&amp;rdquo; Score: 1407 Age: 26.11 (oldest) Games: 117.73 (1st) Starting XV <table border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' style='border: none;] <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: 1pt solid; text-align: left;]
Simpson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Shaw <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Adcock <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Higgins <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Above average
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GAJ <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Beams <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Sidebum <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Barlow <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
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Bellchambers <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
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Less than poor
<td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; text-align: left;]
Goddard <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Franklin <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Riewoldt <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Crameri <td valign='top' style='width: 92.45pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Elite
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Watson <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
Mackay <td valign='top' style='width: 92.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none solid solid none; text-align: left;]
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Elite
Simply, they are better than your team. By a long way. Ok - if you want facts - the Parasite mids average 80 points more than the FU average - a ridiculous 20 points per player (and 14 points better than the next best midfield!). And you're not going to make points up in the fwd line (except for the Smugglers and Bunyips) where they outscore the average by 10 points per player. Throw in the FU's best interchange and (only) an above average defence, and your ruckman needs to outscore BellBoy (who is their only weakness) by 149 points for you to have a chance. As a positive (for the rest of us) they are the oldest team in the comp, so should only win the next 2-3 flags. Prediction: An undefeated season, Premiers and DD to be declared Supreme Leader of the Earth when the New World Order starts.

 

Great stuff Damo. You could consider posting this as a blog, although honestly, we all check here and we don't really have to tell the whole of TS about our adventures.

 

Tomster wrote:
Great stuff Damo. You could consider posting this as a blog, although honestly, we all check here and we don't really have to tell the whole of TS about our adventures. Not sure how to put it up as a blog? First two are up.

 

Nice work Damo, like your assessments. Will be interested to see what sort of offer you throw my way for Libba come mid year.

 

Love your work mate! At least I'm not bottom 2 Hoping for a big year from the Sandgropers, with a break through derby win against the Prospectors important to restore local pride and gain bragging rights!

 

Managed to sneak in a couple at lunch today - Serengeti and Gisborne.

 

JPK wrote:
eagle_eyed wrote:
Love your work mate! At least I'm not bottom 2 Hoping for a big year from the Sandgropers, with a break through derby win against the Prospectors important to restore local pride and gain bragging rights! There's going to be a lot of disappointed people in Southern Cross. Vikings are coming, domination in the west will be mine

 

Haha wasn't lying about my team's age, I was more thinking of Neale, Hill, Harwood, Steele etc who will be guns in years to come. Very interesting predictions so far Damo, hopefully Gisborne plays better than what you think. Was digging around looking for your predictions to compare to how it finished up, but gave up as I have no clue where the final ladder got to

 

Tomster wrote:
Haha wasn't lying about my team's age, I was more thinking of Neale, Hill, Harwood, Steele etc who will be guns in years to come. Very interesting predictions so far Damo, hopefully Gisborne plays better than what you think. Was digging around looking for your predictions to compare to how it finished up, but gave up as I have no clue where the final ladder got to I wouldn't put too much weight on these mate-more a bit of fun and to start discussion.
From memory I was keen on Ararat, Blanchetown and Pearcedale last year. So without a form-line then I'd give myself a pass.

 

<p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='561]<strong abp='562]<em abp='563]From 2014 predictions........[/b] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='561]<strong abp='562]<em abp='563][/b] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='561]<strong abp='562]<em abp='563]Gisborne Grenades[/b] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='565]<strong abp='566]Strengths - I'm here to see the supporting act[/b] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='567]Supporting McVeigh in defence there's Seedsman, Pearce, Hombsch and Harwood. Supporting Steven in the mids there's Douglas, Masten and Christensen. Gisborne has dealt itself quality undercards on these two lines. <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='568]To highlight how good the support is, Gisborne's M2-4 average is the 5<sup abp='569]th best in the comp, and they are a lot younger than most of the teams in that elite grouping. <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='570]<strong abp='571]Weaknesses - An empty forward 50[/b] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='572]Team structure. Coaches bang on about playing within a certain structure from the first day of pre-season training until GF day. It's become as meaningless as one game at a time&amp;rdquo;. Therefore, when you see a team that truly has a unique structure you take notice. And that's what the Grenades have as Tomster has drafted a team without any forwards. As the greatest commentator in Sport's history, Pepper Brooks [span abp='573]would say it's a bold strategy, let's see if it pays off for 'em&amp;rdquo;. <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='574][span abp='575]I'll concede the above is a slight exaggeration, but subject to some canny recruiting and trading pre-season lack of forward depth will be an issue in the Macedon ranges this year. No longer a leader&amp;rdquo; J. Riewoldt is a decent F1 but then there are two rookies and guys who haven't played that often (Daw with 6 games in 2013 and Dell'Olio with 3). Both Billings and Lennon will get games, but a full season? Without appearances in a vest? Daw <em abp='576]might be in the Roos best 22, but Dell'Olio definitely isn't for the Bombers so covering the rookies' inevitable non-appearances (and a potentially empty F4) will be an issue. <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='577]<strong abp='578]Prediction[/b] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;' abp='579]A hard team to place as I think the Commish will trade some of his midfield depth for forwards. There's definite talent in the squad, but structure (there's that word again) could be an issue. The Grenades should be part of that close middle third, with the remainder of the draft/trading period more important for them than most teams. [span abp='580]

 

Can't argue with anything here. Doing an incredible job Damo and pretty decent analysis so far! Wonder if anyone is willing to do a similar thing with projected improvements/declines and whether there would be much difference...

 

WB, I have been meaning to get around to doing a review of last season and preview of the coming 1. Hopefully get them done this weekend and send them to Damo to put up after his predictions. My analysis certainly wont be as detailed as the awesome stuff Damo is putting out.

 

Only one today, but it's probably the most controversial.

 

DamoH wrote:
Only one today, but it's probably the most controversial. But can the 6-game superstar Hallahan live up to the hype? Only time will tell.