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We’re all dreamers in the weeks leading up to the AFL season. We fantasise this year could really be the year – the young guns will step up and the mid-tier players will become elite.
Your favourite player is sure to win the Brownlow and your captain will hold up the premiership cup come September.
Yes, the only thing more exciting and agonising than the proper AFL season is the anticipation that precedes it.
Part of the ritual of the countdown is to pour over the predictions of commentators in the hope that one of them will have good news for your team.
I both love and hate pre-season predictions. Everyone is an expert and everyone has an opinion.
Not only is it frustrating and meaningless, predicting how an entire season will unfold before the first ball has been bounced is of course a fool’s errand.
Well, I am one such fool.
Despite being less accurate than Travis Cloke’s kicking, making bold predictions at the start of the season is fun. So here I go:
Premiership
The Swans’ mix of run and grunt off halfback and through the middle will be combined with some serious firepower up forward.
It will be the year of the Swan.
Brownlow Medal
Many people expect Trent Cotchin to win a Brownlow at some point in his career and I’m one of them.
He is a proven vote winner in a side on the rise and I predict 2014 will be his year.
The runner up will be Patrick Dangerfield.
Coleman Medal
Despite the earlier jibe at his expense, I expect Travis Cloke to finally straighten up in front of goals in 2014.
A new interpretation of rules around marking contests will give the big man more of a chance to use his strength so he will have plenty of opportunity.
And the new-look Collingwood forward line, with Ben Reid and Jesse White, will allow Travis to spend more time in the goal square.
Rising star
Most people will tell you that Jack Martin is a lock for the rising star but favourites rarely win it so I’m calling it for Luke Dunstan.
He will get plenty of time in the guts with St Kilda and he has the body and approach that will allow him to make an impact from his first game
Most improved
North Melbourne’s Shaun Atley has what it takes to become an elite midfielder this year. The rebounding defender’s explosive pace is exactly what the Kangaroos need in the middle and he has been training with the midfield group over the offseason.
North Melbourne is on the rise and Shaun Atley will be part of the reason for them taking the next step in 2014.
Wooden spoon
Sorry Lions fans but it’s going to be a tough year for Brisbane. The club lost some key young talent in trade week and even though it made the best of the draft with good picks and solid recruiting, it will take a while before those picks will mature.
But don’t despair Lions fans, I don’t predict you’ll wallow at the bottom for long.
So, there you have it. I’ve nailed my colours to the mast and I’m sure I will hear about it if I’m way off the mark.
I only ask one thing – if you disagree with my predictions then don’t just tell me so, put your reputation on the line by commenting with your own predictions below.
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