Don’t stone the crows, crown them! The pre-season premiers are shaping up to be strong contenders for the title this year.
Seven down and 15 to go. There’s still a long, long way to go.
But I fancy the Crows. I like their individual body shapes; I like their coach; I like how they have built up.
The Crows made the Hawks look like world beaters in round three, when they lost by over 50 points.
That should have been a defining moment for the Hawks season. Surely it should have stamped in their heads that they could do it, so long as Buddy kicked straight.
Yet the Hawks have been ordinary since beating the Crows.
Those two teams and Carlton, and possibly the Eagles, might make up the top four
Taking a line through form, Adelaide flogged the Eagles in the NAB Cup and beat them pointless when almost all the Eagles players were available.
Carlton came to Perth and almost stole a game off the Eagles with three to doue key players missing.
The Blues looked sharp that day. It was excellent form.
Essendon might find the 22 game journey a test. Sydney may too.
The Dockers are building but might find three to four players not quite up to it.
One injury to Matthew Pavlich or Aaron Sandilands could end their season.
The finals are a long way away, and there is much to be decided.
cliffy
Guest
Still very early days and the competition hasnt been closer for many a year. If you need 12 wins to make the eight I suggest it is still open for the top thirteen
Sh00ter
Guest
Adelaide look almost certain to make the 8 with their charitable draw. They have a great midfield, solid defense and this year their forwards are pretty consistent. However they have been up for a long time and young sides can fall away in a grueling season (eg. Essendon last year). Forget analysing formlines as you point out with Hawthorn. Look at Sydney's last two performances after many in the Melbourne media regarded them flag contenders. Just heard an interview on SEN radio in Melbourne where Sando basically said the premier will come out of last years top 6 (Geelong, Collingwood, Hawthorn, WCE, Carlton, Sydney). No Bombers. He also seemed to concede Dangerfield could return to Melbourne at the end of the season. With Essendon circling for a star midfielder, I wonder if he know's something? Long bow perhaps but as an Essendon supporter I can only hope.
Wayno
Guest
Haha. You think Hawks, Crows, Blues and Eagles will be the top four?? I hope you dont waste any of your money betting on it, as in my view, you might have one, or possibly two of them in there. The season hasnt settled yet, and the best teams are riddled with injuries. If they get back to full strength the four will take a whole different outlook. Carlton and the Crows are not top four teams with all teams at full strength.
Norm
Guest
Yes, "The Finals are a long way away, & there is much to be decided". Last night proved how right that is. Remember when Hawthorn were going to be premiers? Then Carlton?