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2013 AFL season review: Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood

4th October, 2013
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4th October, 2013
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It was a year of disappointment for Adelaide Crows fans, a rollercoaster ride up in Brisbane, treading water for the Carlton Blues and a below-average return for the Magpies from Collingwood.

Adelaide
It was a disappointing year for all Crows fans – a major injury to their main man Taylor Walker didn’t help.

Both Lewis Johnston and Brad Crouch showed a lot of promise.

Patrick Dangerfield had another highlight filled season, polling 22 votes and finishing fourth in the Brownlow medal.

Rating: 4.5. Compared to last season where they narrowly missed a spot in the grand final, they finished 11th.

2014 Prediction: I am expecting a much better season, although I won’t be surprised if they stay around the same position on the ladder. With the likely addition of Eddie Betts, the Crows should improve.

2014 Ladder Position: 8-10

Next Premiership chance: 3-4 years

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Look out for: Brad Crouch

Expect more brilliance from: Patrick Dangerfield

Brisbane
An up and down season included a huge after the siren upset win over the Cats in Round 13 at the Gabba. Pearce Hanley had another standout year and recently signed a five-year deal.

Michael Voss was surprisingly sacked in odd circumstances. Sam Mayes showed a lot and looks like a good player for the future.

Rating:  Only just missed the finals thanks to a one-point loss to Geelong in Round 23, although I was disappointed with the decision that Brisbane made to sack Voss, so a generous 6.

2014 Prediction: Justin Leppitsch seems like a smart coach who can direct the Lions up the ladder.

Although the Lions only just missed the finals this year, a lot of young players want out and it will be interesting to see what they do in the trade period.

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2014 Ladder Position: 9-13

Next Premiership chance: 5-6 years

Look out for: Sam Mayes

Expect more brilliance from: Daniel Rich

Carlton
Only just scraped into the finals thanks to the Essendon supplement saga and a string of important wins. Beat Richmond emphatically in the second elimination final at the MCG in front of 95,000 people.

Their dream run finished when they lost to Sydney at the SCG the following week.

Rating: Their ladder position suggests that they improved from their 2012 campaign, but they did not improve much under Mick Malthouse. 6.5.

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2014 Prediction: With the addition of Dale Thomas to their midfield, Carlton should improve. I expect Malthouse to bring in a few more players.

2014 Ladder Position: 5-8

Next Premiership chance: 2-3 years

Look out for: Troy Menzel

Expect more brilliance from: Marc Murphy, Kade Simpson

Collingwood
The Pies were another team that had an up and down season, with it ending in the worst possible way – a loss to Port Adelaide at the MCG. Dane Swan and Scott Pendelbury continued to shine and Marley had a good first season.

Rating: By Collingwood’s standards it was an average year, as they finished sixth and lost to seventh in their elimination final. 6.5.

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2014 Prediction:  I wouldn’t be surprised if they move down the ladder.

With the loss of Dale Thomas and the expected departure of Heath Shaw, the 2014 season could be a bit of a struggle.

2014 Ladder Position: 6-9

Next Premiership chance: 3-4 years

Look out for: Marley Williams

Expect more brilliance from: Dane Swan, Scott Pendelbury

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