Over the past few weeks, chriss88 has been previewing each of the 18 ORFFA teams[span style='color: #028bff; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;]over in the forum.

I'll now copy and paste them all here, exactly as originally written...








chris88 wrote:

Over the coming two to three weeks I'll be working my way through each of the 18 teams in our fair league, offering previews for each and looking at each team's key players, x-factors, question marks and recruiting in the lead-up to the start of the 2013 ORFFA season.

The previews are designed to prompt discussion, debate and a bit of analysis, while keeping things light and breezy.

I'll start tonight with the Battlers from Birdsville:

Birdsville Battlers:

Key arrivals: Brent Moloney, Jesse Lonergan, Shannon Byrnes.




Key departures: Sam Iles (again, why the hell was he delisted in the AFL?), Nick Malceski

Key players: The Battlers will be looking to midfield dynamos Marc Murphy, Brad Ebert and Daniel Wells to lead from the front in the middle. The defensive trio of Houli, Geary and Fisher will need to chalk up good points most weeks, while Sauce Merrett and Ash McGrath might lend handy support up back or down forward. Up forward JC will be hoping big Jono Brown can turn back the clock one more time, and that a focused Travis Cloke recaptures some consistent form.

Potential X-Factors: The drafting of Jesse 'The Hulk' Lonergan at pick 12 was hailed by many fellow ORFFA coaches as a good choice. Meanwhile the performances of Brisbane duo of Daniel Rich and Brent Moloney in the midfield have the potential to make or break the Battlers - get good seasons from them both and all of a sudden Birdsville's midfield looks deep and capable of some healthy scoring.

Question Marks: Can Travis Varcoe recapture his pre-injury magic? Can Shannon Byrnes capture any magic at his new club? Can Jono Brown beat Father Time (most likely with his bare hands)? Can the Battlers' unheralded ruck duo of Ben McEvoy and Zac Clarke do enough to support their more high-profile teammates?

Summary: If everything clicks, the boys from Birdsville are a definite flag contender. A midfield of Murphy, Wells, Ebert and one of Rich or Moloney could easily notch up 500+ points by itself. The backline scoring might be a little shallow, and coach JC will hope ruckmen McEvoy and Clarke can stand up over the season, but overall Birdsville have talent, depth and a good mix of youth and experience.







chris88 wrote:


Charlie's Opening Spelunkers:

Key arrivals: Jackson Thurlow, Josh Simpson.









Key departures: None really.



Key players: The form of Andrew Swallow and Leigh Montagna are vital to Charlie's Opening. Coach Bandit will be hoping Kieren Jack can provide able support, and that draftee Liam Picken can be a solid M4-M5. The veteran duo of Heath Shaw and Andrew Mackie lead a predominately inexperienced defence - perhaps youngster Jackson Thurlow might be able to add depth. But it could be the Spelunkers' forwardline that makes or breaks the team's 2013 hopes. Simply put, can Petrie, Josh Hill, Gunston, Le Cras and Sam Reid put enough scoreboard pressure on opponents?



Potential X-Factors: Stephen Hill often seems set for a huge year, but has yet to deliver consistently. Will this be his year? Plenty of talk about Jackson Thurlow during the ORFFA draft, and coach Bandit has drafted well with low picks - snaffling Thurlow, Simpson and Paparone. WIll any of them have an impact in 2013? We will wait and see.



Question Marks: Can the Frenchman return triumphantly from injury - and how will his return impact on teammate (in all senses of the word) Josh Hill? Can big Jonathan Giles follow up his 2012 with another great year? Which of the Spelunkers' young backmen will make their mark? Will Daniel Menzel get back in some way before the season is over?



Summary: Coach Bandit has drafted shrewdly, something which will improve the Spelunkers' chances of rising up the ladder in 2013. But is it enough? Charlie's Opening will rely on a number of youngsters taking the next step and improving their scoring in order to support its veterans and tried-and-true scorers. If they can step up, a finals' berth isn't out of the question. Otherwise, a development and building year awaits.







chris88 wrote:

Cradle Mountain Devils:

Key arrivals: Tigger Vlastuin, Lee Spurr,

Key departures: Setanta O'Hailpin (yes, really)

Key players: Pendlebury, Redden, Stevie J, Zaharakis, Dale Thomas. That's a possible M1-M4 (plus one on the bench) setup that would strike fear into the heart of any opposition coach. Dyson Heppell and Go Go Gadget Fletcher lead the backline, while Michael Hurley plays the spearhead role. Plenty of M/F choices with Johnson, Thomas, Jude Bolton and 2012 sensation Dayne Zorko.

Potential X-Factors: Nick Vlastuin has shown enough in the early going to get plenty of people excited. This guy could be anything. His fellow Cradle Mountain defender James Gwilt will play a vital role with coach dmandrews hopeful he can return to full fitness and slot into a D4 spot. The drafting of Lee Spurr should release Heppell and Vlastuin into an already obscenely talented midfield.

Question Marks: Can Gwilt re-capture his best scoring.Will Dale Thomas be fit and firing in 2013? Can young forward Arryn Siposs continue his improvement? Can ruckmen West and Jamar do enough to hold their own? Can Zorko replicate his 2012 form?

Summary: From my vantage point here in front of the PC in my comfy Dr Evil style swivel chair, the Devils are a very real premiership threat. Talent, point-scoring ability, youth, good draft picks, flexibility with a number of DPPs … I'd hate to be choosing a first 15 each week. If Dale Thomas can recover from his ankle injury, and West and Jamar can battle manfully, the Devils will give the flag a massive shake.


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chris88 wrote:

Darraweit Guim Dirigibles:




Key arrivals: Michael Walters, James Frawley, Bradley Hill, Jesse Stringer

Key departures: Dom Cassisi, Nick Smith, Liam Picken, Jeremy Howe


Key players: The ever-reliable Matthew Boyd will lead the Guim's midfield from the front, looking for backup from a mix of well-known names (Nick Dal Santo, Nathan Foley) and lesser lights (Ben Cunnington, Nathan Van Berlo, Stringer, Jack Newnes). The Dirigibles' defence looks to be its strength, with Duffield, Rance, Frawley and Grimes leading the way. However, Ivan Maric may be the team's most vital player, as the Guim enters 2013 with only one ruckman.


Potential X-Factors: Michael Walters has everyone talking - can his recruitment shore up a forward line heavy on small guys (Harvey, Edwards, Betts, Bewick) and without a proven spearhead (only Ty Vickery could fit the bill).

Question Marks: Can Ivan Maric ruck one out for the entire season? Can any of the young recruits step up during 2013? Can Ty Vickery, Nathan Foley and Dylan Grimes overcome long spells on the sidelines to make an impact? Can Matthew Boyd and Nick Dal Santo provide one more vintage scoring year? Can Darraweit's mosquito fleet of forwards cover for Brent Harvey's six week holiday&amp;rdquo;?


Summary: A few pundits are rather high on the Dirigibles' chances this year (if you excuse the pun) but coach Chris88 isn't amongst them. A distinct shift towards recruiting youth and rebuilding before hitting rock bottom has seen nine new players aged 24 and under arrive at the club. And while the Dirigibles' top end talent is good enough to match it with anyone - including a backline ranked among the best in the ORFFA - the loss of depth and experience may stop it going all the way.


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chris88 wrote:

Foul Bay Chickens:

Key arrivals: Nathan Hrovat, Dan Giansiracusa, Brock McLean, Bernie Vince

Key departures: Jeff Garlett, Sam Wright

Key players: Pat Dangermouse and Joel Selwood lead a frighteningly deep midfield for the Chickens (McLean, Kelly, Vince, Liberatore, Trengove, etc etc), while veterans Matthew Pavlich and Jimmy Bartel are the senior members of the forward line. Down back, Greg Broughton will hope for improved scoring at his new AFL new club, as will Danyle Pearce. Scott McMahon and Chris Yarran provide the depth up back. Shane Mumford will split ruck duties with Jarrad Roughead, especially when the latter is needed up forward.


Potential X-Factors: Josh Kennedy and Tom Liberatore return from long lay-offs and simply make a frighteningly good team even more impressive. If Brock McLean rounds into some form, or young draftees Nathan Hrovat and Jordan Murdoch make an impact &amp;hellip; God have mercy on the rest of the ORFFA.

Question Marks: Can coach Chief Russell successfully choose the best 15 players to put on the park each week? How the hell did this team end up getting drafted in the same draft as the rest of our teams?

Summary: The $3 odds offered for Foul Bay in the premiership betting are at least $1.50 too generous. Simply put, the reigning premier will begin his title defence with an even better line-up than in 2012 - ably assisted by having Greg Broughton, Danyle Pearce and Jimmy Bartel newly christened as DPPs. The Chief's premiership window is not only wide open, but the curtains are drawn and the breeze is gusting in.

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chris88 wrote:

Gariwerd Cockatoos:

Key arrivals: Jimmy Toumpas, Sam Blease, Thomas Murphy, Setanta O'Hailpin.

Key departures: Steve Milne, Matt Thomas.

Key players: Brett Deledio will be chained to the midfield this year, though he is looking forward to escaping defence. Chris Masten and Adam Cooney join him in the middle. Burgoyne, Hurn and rising star Brodie Smith lead the defence, while Bundy Christensen, Mitch Clark and Brown Paper Bag Tippett are the keys up forward. Youngsters Zac Smith and Nathan Vardy hold down the ruck positions, with help from the newly acquired Irishman O'Hailpin.




Potential X-Factors: Nick Lower and Koby Stevens both moved east over summer in a bid to continue their careers. Their fortunes at the Bulldogs' kennel could play a key role in the Cockatoos' 2013 success. Jimmy Toumpas could make an immediate impact as well.

Question Marks: More question marks at Gariwerd than the Riddler's outfit. Robbie Gray, Blease, and Clark are battling injury. Tippett won't play until halfway through the year and Adam Cooney's fitness has long been a sore point. What impacts will these players have in 2013? And how will Lower, Stevens, Tippett and Thomas Murphy go at Gariwerd after shifting AFL teams in the off-season?


Summary:The Cockies are just about impossible to get a read on in the pre-season, with injuries, absences and players at new clubs all potentially having a massive impact. If coach Anthak can muster a fit team on the park consistently, the Cockatoos might shock a few teams. If not, Setenta O'Hailpin could be dealing out quite a few more bum kickings to teammates.


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chris88 wrote:

Gundagai Grasshoppers:

Key arrivals: Sam Mitchell, Pat Karnezis, Tyson Goldsack, Jake Stringer, Brett Goodes, Dan Currie.

Key departures: Matty Wright, Stewart Crameri, Sam Docherty (sort of), Matthew Scarlett, Luke Power

Key players: The midfield is where the Grasshoppers' strength lays - Mitchell, ROK, Rock Lobster (F/M) Liam Anthony and the rising Taylor Adams make for a nice set-up. Lenny Hayes is ready to fire too after serious post-season surgery. A number of the new arrivals - including Goodes and Dan Currie have the chance to make an impact. Aaron Sandilands continued injury woes make Jono Griffin a key player.

Potential X-Factors: Coach Simonoz would be relatively content after a busy draft and trade period. A number of his pick-ups, including Brett Goodes, Pat Karnezis and Daniel Currie, have the potential to make an immediate difference. Matthew Suckling was set for a big season, but has unfortunately succumbed to a pre-season knee injury, denting the Grasshoppers' defensive strength.

Question Marks: Can Jono Griffin shoulder the load left by Sandi's injury? Will Currie contribute in the ruck? Which, if any, of the Grasshoppers younger brigade will fire? Will Gundagai's forwards score enough points consistently to ensure the team is competitive?Who will step into the breach left by high-profile retirees?

Summary: Simonoz has drafted well, addressing needs with his picks. However this team may come up a touch short this year. Retirements and injury have already made an impact, and worries over the Grasshoppers' forwardline persist. Much of Gundagai's hopes rest with its midfield - when it fires, the Grasshoppers should fly.






chris88 wrote:

Iron Knob Codpieces:

Key arrivals:Jackson Macrae, George Horlin-Smith (damn you Iron Knob), Rhyce Shaw, Q-Stick Lynch

Key departures:Dom Tyson, Rhys Palmer

Key players: Gary Ablett. Gary Ablett. Gary Ablett. Apparently he can play a bit. Importantly, Iron Knob has depth to back up the bald master - Griffin, Shuey and fellow nude-nut Nathan Jones through the midfield, as well as a great young forwardline led by Jack Riewoldt, Luke Breust and Jack Darling. Minson and Goldstein will look after ruck duties, with help from D/R Cam Pedersen.

Potential X-Factors: The big Q-Stick could be a very astute pick up by coach jimbowan. Personally I think he is in for a great scoring year in his new surrounds - with or without glove/pinky finger. Cam Pedersen might surprise a few at his new AFL club, while (and I say it again, damn you Iron Knob) George Hyphen-Smith is ripe for a break out year down Geelong way.

Question Marks: Can Iron Knob's low profile defence get the job done week in, week out? How many times will GAJ top 150? Can Jarrad Grant put on some weight? Will young draft picks Macrae and Hyphen-Smith get their chance?


Summary: Iron Knob is deservedly ranked highly for the ORFFA premiership - and not just because of Gary Ablett's presence. A deep midfield, young forwards and savvy drafting leave the Codpieces in good stead - not only for this year, but in seasons to come. A definite premiership contender.


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chris88 wrote:



Larrikin Lagoon Lefties:



Key arrivals: Dan Nicholson, Jonathan O'Rourke, Joe Daniher, Nick Suban, Sam Wright



Key departures: Adam Selwood, Matthew Watson



Key players: Plenty to like about the Lefties this year, with Matt Priddis and Scott Selwood leading a solid midfield unit (Carrazzo, Mzungu, Jordan Lewis, Coniglio, Conca, DPPs Monfries and Scotland). F/R DPPs NickNat and David Hale will most likely spend a lot of time forward, given the Lefties lack of depth there. Hale will be key too given Nick Nat's injury woes.



Potential X-Factors: Coach gravenger has drafted very well, with new defenders Nick Suban, Sam Wright and Dan Nicholson both potential X-factors. Two high draft picks in Daniher and O'Rourke could provide solid output this year as well.



Question Marks: Can the Lefties' forwardline score enough without NickNat and Gary Rohan (both injured)? Can David Hale and Max Bailey carry the ruck load? How will the no-frills defence shape up? Which of the Lefties' youngsters will step up to break into the best 15?



Summary: Larrikin Lagoon's recruiting and drafting has built further depth and talent into a solid unit, one which should figure into Top6 calculations if all goes well. Right now, the Lefties' forwardline maybe its only concern, NickNat's return should help this situation. A very nice team with a good mix of young talent and experience that should more than hold its own in 2013.

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chris88 wrote:



Lovely Banks Lilacs:



Key arrivals: Matthew Watson, Majak Daw, Jake Carlisle, Joel Corey.



Key departures: Ryan Hargrave, Brad Green, John McCarthy (RIP), as well as Ashton Hams, Travis Colyer.



Key players: The new franchise from Lovely Banks boasts an impressive midfield - led by Dane Swan and Scott Thompson, youngsters Mitch Duncan, Craig Bird and Sharrod Wellingham to provide support. In a backline full of 'j's', Jed Adcock and Jack Grimes will beassisted by new recruits Watson and Carlisle. And if Paul Chapman and Hayden Ballantyne can stop niggling each other, they'll be the keys in the forwardline.



Potential X-Factors: Majak Daw is a walking talking X-factor. If he enjoys a breakthrough season, it will provide huge help to fellow rucks Pyke and McIntosh. New recruits Watson and Carlisle could make an instant impact up back, while the same applies for midfielders Duncan and Josh Caddy.



Question Marks: Will the Lilacs' defence of 'J's' hold firm. Can Andrew Krakouer and Beau Maister up their scoring to boost the forwardline? Will Dane Swan and Paul Chapman be seen in public wearing lilac guernseys? Can Hayden Ballantyne stop annoying his Geelong-based teammates so they stop punching him in the face? Will the unfortunate passing of John McCarthy help inspire the Lilacs to greater heights?



Summary: The Lovely Banks franchise breaks new ground with the ORFFA's first female owner ... and Jen and the team from the outskirts of Geelong might surprise a few this year, particularly after a solid draft from her and caretaker recruiting manager Blue Believer. Any team with a midfield featuring Swan, Thompson and Duncan has to be treated with respect. More than a sneaky finals prospect.



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chris88 wrote:



Marble Bar Misfits:



Key arrivals: Matt Rosa, Aaron Cornelius, Lachie Whitfield, Kristian Jaksch, Dean Terlich



Key departures: Courtney Dempsey, Aaron Hall, Daniel Giansiracusa, Darren Glass



Key players: Patrick Ryder will have to pull double time to lead both the forward and ruck divisions for Marble Bar this year. Stef Martin becomes a key player with his change of scenery and DPP F/R status. Brad Sewell, Shaun Grigg and Matthew Rosa lead a midfield looking to youngsters Green, Whitfield and Steven for support. Talented youngsters Rhys Stanley and Jeremy Cameron will join Martin, Ryder and Jarrad Waite up forward.



Potential X-Factors: The return of Nathan Bock (D/F), Andrew Embley and Mark Nicoski from injuries could provide the Misfits with a real boost. New recruit Terlich could step into the starting 15 if his form is good, while Danny Stanley and Sean Dempster will hope to build on good 2012 seasons in defence.



Question Marks: Can the Misfits returning from injury make an impact. How will high-profile draftees Whitfield and Jaksch go? Can Stef Martin play well enough to provide a chop-out to fellow R/F Paddy Ryder? Can defensive veterans Enright, Bock, Firrito and Thornton keep chugging along?



Summary: For a group of Misfits, a united Marble Bar have plenty to look forward to in 2013. The return of a number of players from injury, as well as improving young players, should most certainly see coach Len and his squad enjoy more wins than losses this season. Will be there and thereabouts when the whips are cracking.

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chris88 wrote:

Mt Beauty Uglies:



Key arrivals: Jack Viney, Troy Menzel, Tom Lee, Steven May



Key departures: Jason Gram, Josh Drummond



Key players: A young triumverate of midfielders - Cotchin, Sidebottom, Bennell - are joined by DPPs Cyril Rioli, Dustin Martin and Hamish Hartlett, as well as young-gun Mid Jack Viney in one of the best young midfields in the ORFFA (Did I say they were young?). Martin and Rioli will also fill key roles up forward. Leuenberger is the key ruckman, with support from the emerging Ayce Cordy. Beau Waters and a couple of (again) young Tigers in Batchelor and Ellis anchor the defence.



Potential X-Factors: MPP D/Fs can be gold, and the Uglies have two young ones in Jordan Roughead and Steven MAy - both potential X-factors. Jed Anderson comes in with high hopes, while Menzel could be anything - if he gets fit.



Question Marks: With youth can come inconsistency - will the Uglies overcome this? Can Dustin Martin return to form? Will Leuenberger stay fit? When will Troy Menzel get on the park? Who out of the Uglies and the Dirigibles will successfully hold onto the most Richmond players?



Summary: I think initial odds offered about Mt Beauty for hte ORFFA flag are very generous - though I am not a betting man. This is a team that will be more than competitive in the present, but could become a future juggernaut with its emerging, talented youth led by a personal favourite in Trent Cotchin. Coach Bama's shrewd drafting saw a clutch of good young things arrive on the mountain ... don't be surprised if this team goes a long way.

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chris88 wrote:



The Nunawading Nuffas



Key arrivals: Jaeger O'Meara, Matthew Broadbent,Steve Milne, Tim Membrey, Pat Weardon



Key departures: Sam Gibson, Justin Sherman, Jordan Russell



Key players: Josh Kennedy, Brent Stanton, Kade Simpson and Dan Cross form the core of the Nuffas' hard-working midfield, Broadbent and O'Meara's arrivals will be welcomed there as well. Taylor Walker and Adam Goodes will be the key forwards during 2013, with recruit Steve Milne roving the packs. Shaun Hampson will be vital in the ruck, with only Ben Hudson to back him up. LRT, Brian Lake and Nick Maxwell lead the defence.



Potential X-Factors: Everyone's eyes will be on Jaeger O'Meara, but equally as important wil be a couple of other recruits in Broadbent and Weardon. Coach Melbandy will be hoping all three can have an impact in 2013.



Question Marks: Can Nunawading's older defenders stand up to a full season of football? Can Taylor Walker repeat his heroics from 2012? Will Shaun Hampson do enough to adequately fill the ruck role if Ben Hudson doesn't play?



Summary: The Nuffas had a busy draft period, picking up a bevy of new (and recycled) players. For mine though, the Nuffas have some concerns to address up back and in the ruck before they can be consistently competitive. We'll definitely see improvement, but I don't know if it will be enough to reach the finals.







chris88 wrote:


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<p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody] Powlett Plains Packers
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<p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Key arrivals: Troy Chaplin, Tom Bellchambers, Brodie Grundy, Sam Colquhoun, Taylor Garner, Scott Lycett
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<p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Key departures: Nat Fyfe, Graeme Johncock, Joel Corey, Chad Cornes, Ryan Lester
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<p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Key players: Kane Cornes and David Armitage lead a midfield with a bit of youth and experience. Hopefully Tom Scully and Luke Ball can lend good support. Up forward it is all about Riewoldt (Nick) and Buddy Franklin, while a solid defensive unit is led by new recruit Chaplin, veteran Rob Murphy, Chris Newman and Harry the Brazilian. The much improved Tom Bellchambers is the ruck lynchpin.
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<p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Potential X-Factors: Luke Hodge (and his fitness) is a major X-Factor here. If/when fit, he could make a big difference to this side. Plenty of youngsters are also ready to make their mark - Billie Smedts, Tom Lynch (once he is over his injury), Claye Beams, Scott Lycett and Taylor Garner.
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<p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Question Marks: Can Hodge, Lynch and draftee Grundy get fit and have an impact? has coach Philosoraptor gone in to 2013 too top heavy with four ruckmen? Can Nick Riewoldt deliver another great scoring year? Can Luke Ball fire? Which of the youngsters will step up?
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<p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Summary: Powlett Plains had a very busy draft and trade period, addressing some needs but leaving a few question marks still. The Packers' defence is solid, but beyond Franklin and Riewoldt, the forwards are young and a little unproven. And even though Nat Fyfe's exit might be keenly felt, there's plenty of potential down on the Plains, and if few of the youngsters can break through, this team could make serious waves in 2013. Let's wait and see.







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chris88 wrote:

Venus Bay Vultures:



Key arrivals: Jeremy Howe, Jeff Garlett, Nick Malceski, Stiffy Johncock, Clinton Young, Matt Shaw, Sam Docherty

Key departures: Brock McLean, James Frawley, Brent Moloney, Matt Bate, Anthony Morabito, David Ellard, Pat Karnezis, Tyson Goldsack

Key players: Coach Fitzy's spinning wheel of trade fun has landed a few players who might prove to be key to the Vulture's 2013 efforts. Malceski and Johncock will stiffen (pardon the pun) defence, with help from keys Bryce Gibbs and Jack Watts. Jobe Watson leads a solid midfield alongside Gaff, Pearce, Kerr and Mundy. Up forward Howe and Blair will need support from MPPs Watts and Stiffy, as well as Garlett. Kreuzer will, for the most part, carry the ruck duties.

Potential X-Factors: A relatively solid what you see is what you get&amp;rdquo; team. Fitzy will be looking for a youngster of two to step up, and towards Shaun Higgins to remain fit for more than one consecutive game.

Question Marks: Can Shaun Higgins stay fit for more than one consecutive game. Can all the new recruits make a mark. Where will key MPPs Watts and Johncock play? Can Zac Dawson get a Brownlow vote? What will happen if Kreuzer goes down?

Summary: Coach Fitzy has attracted plenty of good new talent through the door at Venus Bay, but will the Carrion-eaters be stung by the players traded away - particularly McLean and Moloney. A good deep midfield will help the Vultures, and if the forwards and backs can stay injury free, the Vultures could swoop into the finals.


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chris88 wrote:

Wagga Wagga Wombats:



Key arrivals: Sam Mayes, Kane Mitchell, Jarrod Witts, Courtney Dempsey

Key departures: Paul Bower, Justin Koschitzke, Matt Rosa

Key players: Another of the new franchises has a distinctly youthful feel. However, the key players are a bit more seasoned. MPP Brendan Goddard should mainly play up back, supported by Scott Thompson (of the D variety), Brent Reilly and Jared Rivers. Dayne Beams, David Swallow and Ryan Bastinac are the midfield leaders, along with Lewis Jetta, Goddard and old man Tuck. Jetta, new recruit Sam Mayes and big man Dean Cox will use their MPP to support a thin forward line led by Jay Schulz. However Cox may mainly be needed in the ruck, with only Witts to support.

Potential X-Factors: Lots of young developing talent amongst the Wombats, with guys like Mayes, Jetta, Dylan Shiel, Dion Prestia and others all potential x-factors if they can score consistently. Dean Cox may however be the biggest x-factor of them all - if he struggles or isn't fit, the Wombats could be looking for a burrow to hide in.

Question Marks: Can Dean Cox stay fit? Can a thin forwardline do the job consistently? Can Tuck deliver another stellar year? Which of the youngsters will break through?



Summary: They say defence wins premierships, but Wagga Wagga may well be taking the adage too literally. An excess of midfielders and a lack of depth up forward could be a big concern, especially if youngster Mayes doesn't play regularly, or if Cox is needed in the ruck. That said, a solid midfield and defence counts in the Wombats' favour, and they should be there and thereabouts for the finals.


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chris88 wrote:

Waikikamoocow Incorrigibles:




Key arrivals: Nathan Fyfe, Brad Crouch, Nick Graham, Matt Wright, Stewart Crameri, Brent Macaffer, Brent Staker, Tayte Pears, Angus Graham (holy hell).


Key departures: Troy Chaplin, Tom Bellchambers, Sam Mitchell, Sam Docherty, Ricky Dyson, Aaron Edwards, James Podsiadly

Key players: Harry Taylor and Michael Hibberd are the lynchpins in defence, with help from Brent Staker (when he gets fit). Jarrad McVeigh, Nathan Fyfe, Dan Hannebery and Jay-Z Ziebell are joined by MPPs Mitch Robinson, Matt Wright, as well as new recruit Brad Crouch in the middle. Sauce Jacobs carries the ruck division, wh