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Very early 2018 AFL ladder predictions

Roar Rookie
2nd October, 2017
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Nakia Cockatoo of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 06 match between the Geelong Cats and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Roar Rookie
2nd October, 2017
36
8839 Reads

With the Richmond Tigers’ premiership win closing season 2017 on Saturday and the Trade Period starting just days away as well as the Draft to come, the dust is yet to settle on 2017.

But hey, here is my prediction for how the ladder will take shape after the home-and-away season in 2018.

1 – Geelong
May have veterans gone, but still have some talent in them including Patrick Dangerfield, Daniel Menzel and Joel Selwood.

2 – Adelaide
They are an awesome side and the best team of 2017 heading into the Grand Final, however they will go one better and defeat Geelong in the big dance.

3 – Greater Western Sydney
May have lost Steve Johnson but have some talent. Their best can certainly take them all the way. However, a third straight prelim final loss is predicted.

4 – Melbourne
Set to enjoy their best season in more a decade. Their spine looks just about set. Just need to continue on from last year and the entire team needs to have better discipline.

Christian Salem Melbourne Demons AFL Anzac Day 2017

(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

5 – West Coast
May have scraped into the top eight and have also lost Drew Petrie, Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell but I do see them having an awesome 2018 with the return of Nic Natanui and Josh Kennedy firing up again.

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6 – Western Bulldogs
They will recover from last year’s drop and fire up next year. May have lost Stringer but I can see this team be back to their best.

7 – Sydney
Started 2017 0-6 then finish 6th. They have an awesome team which also includes some younger talented inexperienced players and always seem to have an immediate impact in the game.

8 – Richmond
From 13th to Premiers in a grand final. The Tigers have really stepped up their game and knocked off top sides but I see them only just scraping into the eight.

9 – Port Adelaide
With the inability to defeat top sides I can’t see them being at their best in 2018.

10 – Essendon
Went from wooden spoon to finals. Though they have lost Jobe Watson and has some talent in Joe Daniher and Andrew McDonald-Tipungwuti, they will drop off a bit won’t be able to fire up much.

11 – Fremantle
Started 2017 well but however trailed off. I can see them improving in 2018 but they just need to be a little more aggressive going forward.

12 – Hawthorn
One or two kids that look the goods, but other than Tom Mitchell, their recruiting is not a pretty sight from here. Still a rebuilding side with the loss of Hodge but should still cause a few upsets.

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Ryan Burton Hawthorn Hawks AFL 2016

(AAP Image/Julian Smith)

13 – St Kilda
Not a decent rebuild. A lot of fast paced players, but the skill isn’t there. Have lost Nick Riewoldt and I see them dropping off a bit in 2018 but should still cause upsets.

14 – North Melbourne
Were expected to drop in 2017, They are still a rebuilding side but should be back to their best soon with the talent of young players.

15 – Collingwood
May have defeated a few 2017 top eight sides but need to perform less like seagulls at the chip and takes risks with pushing the ball forward.

16 – Brisbane
Will improve a bit. One of the youngest sides coached by a well-experienced man. A few more young players could prove to be potential stars.

17 – Gold Coast
This team have lost Gary Ablett. Very inconsistent, a lot of pace and but extremely sloppy. However they will be back to their best soon.

18 – Carlton
Will continue to rebuild and will climb up the ladder soon but will need to continue to improve on the depth for the midfield.

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