With the 2015 AFL season starting in just under two months’ time, let’s have a look at some of the best predictions for the year.
1. Fremantle to become the best fourth-placed side since 2006
They may have the oldest list in the competition, but Fremantle will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2014 finals series. They will also be aiming to break their St Kilda hoodoo and beat Hawthorn interstate for the first time since 2001.
2. Hawthorn gunning for a fourth-straight grand final appearance
Hawthorn are currently the premier team in the competition, and will be looking for three flags in a row. They are favourites for the 2015 flag.
3. Richmond to advance to the semi-finals
The Tigers have a favourable draw between Rounds 1 and 4, as well as between Rounds 19 and 22. Richmond will be aiming for their first finals victory since 2001. They did make the finals in 2013, but Carlton were far too strong during the second half in the elimination final. Richmond also made the finals in 2014, but were eliminated by Port Adelaide.
4. West Coast to be most improved for season 2015
West Coast will be looking to bounce back after being squeezed out of the top eight by Richmond last year, despite winning in Rounds 21 and 22. They have a favourable draw in Rounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
5. Essendon to miss the top eight
Still caught up in the long-running supplements saga, the AFL is hoping to end the ASADA case by the start of season 2015, which could see Essendon players suspended and ending their finals chances.
Key games to watch during Round 1
Richmond versus Carlton
Richmond have won nine out of their last 10 games, which saw them reach the finals despite being 3-12 after 13 rounds.
Fremantle versus Port Adelaide
Both sides will be top-four contenders this season and will be aiming towards that Holy Grail.
Hawthorn versus Geelong
The Kennett Curse was broken during the 2013 preliminary final when Hawthorn finally beat Geelong by five points after losing the last 11 match-ups. Last time these two sides played in a home and away match, Hawthorn were down by 33 points at half-time, but stormed home by 23. These two sides met a fortnight later and Hawthorn won again, this time by 36 points.
Ladder predictions
1. Hawthorn
2. Port Adelaide
3. Sydney
4. Fremantle
5. North Melbourne
6. Geelong
7. Richmond
8. West Coast
9. Adelaide
10. Gold Coast
11. Collingwood
12. Essendon
13. Brisbane
14. Melbourne
15. Greater Western Sydney
16. Carlton
17. St Kilda
18. Western Bulldogs
SCC
Guest
No, I am not saying that at all... That wasn't the point. You said they were young. They aren't The thing about having no young guys is that the team is unlikely to improve... which leads to tthe conclusion that you'll have another disappointing year
adam sabi
Roar Rookie
So you telling me to be in finals and grand finals you need to be at least 25 and under ? Team has to build to that age between 25 to 28 to win premiership and Carlton is building to that Yes I'm not really expirence In the game cause I'm a wog and I have been in Australian for 12 years but I do love the game and I think I have bit of knowledge so yeah Carlton to make the 8 for me what's your bet
Don Freo
Guest
You've got to admit, though, that Adam's arguments are far more erudite than those of the other Carlton supporter on this site...even though Adam doesn't sound totally on top of his game.
SCC
Guest
No none of those names are young... all will be at least 26 this year... Murphy will be 28 if not already... Surely in the modern game no-one over 25 can be labeled 'young' they've had 7 or 8 years for goodness sake... Also, Gibbs and Murphy were included in my 3 good midfielders, the other being the aging and fading? Judd... So yes, I will need a few more names... Look, seriously, even teams like West Coast, Adelaide, Richmond, Suns and Essendon would be expected to beat the Blues. Not every team can leap up the ladder, and of any teams around Carlton's mark, Carlton is the least exciting. Teams like Melbourne and Brisbane and the Bulldogs will rise much quicker than Carlton. Let's do this bet
Don Freo
Guest
Adam might be the second Carlton supporter ever to contribute to this site. Nevertheless, your observations seem on the money.
adam sabi
Roar Rookie
I bet you what ever you want Carlton in the 8 this year and you saying only couple young guns Menzel and Cripps ? What about Gibbs what about murph not young ? What about kreuzer ? Yarran ? Henderson ? Want more ?
SCC
Guest
Hahaha ridiculous... having about 3 good mids and not much else gets you nowhere... Can anyone really see them usurping Richmond or Gold Coast or Geelong or Adelaide or North? Not going to happen... seems to me that Carlton supporters are the most unintelligent and biased supporters around when it comes to this site... Cue the indignant response with a list of players who are either past their prime or utterly useless and will never be stars of any description... ok, wow, you might have a few promising young guns eg Menzel and Cripp, but what team hasn't?
Adam sabi
Guest
you telling me Carlton to finish 16 on the ladder ?? You've got to be joking Carlton will make top 8 other wise mick Malthouse will not be at Carlton next year it's do or die for mick So re think propley before predict Carlton
John Fedec
Guest
One change top 4, 2 1/2 changes top 8 is the average since around 2000 I believe. Hawks to finish 4, and cats to either scrape in or miss 8 altogether.
John Fedec
Guest
WOWSERS. Lions, blues,dees all missing 8! Port and Freo finishing top 4! West coast should make 8....gold coast make 4? Hawks,Cats both drop but how far? Sydney definitely making the 8. I still think the hawks finish top 4...probably 4th...
Macca
Guest
Jax -I think there are a few of reasons; 1) It is in WA - why make the established players travel more than they need to 2) The Likes of Smith, Boekhorst & Cripps are all WA boys - good chance to let them get back to see the family. 3) A lot of the young blokes are competing for a spot (eg I thnk Bell, Cripps & Graham may be trying to squeeze into 2 spots) so they want to give them as much chance to stake their claim.
jax
Guest
I feel like I'm getting set up for a fail lol. I just checked the sides and you're right. Why are the Blues resting so many players? Simmo said that he intends to play almost full-strength teams for the entire NAB Cup due to the 2 week breaks between their games. if he rests a player it will be 4 weeks between games and he's trying to build momentum which seems like a good idea.
Macca
Guest
Hey Jax - I just had a look at the 2 squads for Friday nights game, if the Eagles don't win by at least 10 goals I would be worried about your list (or excited by mine) - The blues are going in with no Judd, Murphy, Gibbs or Thomas in the midfield plus no Jamison down back or or Henderson up forward. The blues should get a good idea of where the young blokes are at though.
jax
Guest
I agree Dalgety. All bar one of those 5 games they folded in was early in the season. Leading the Dons by 30 pts at Docklands at 3/4 time was late in the year and very disappointing. They finished the season with some good momentum and I'm hoping they can carry that into 2015. This time last year WC were spending a lot of time in the classroom learning the new game plan and coaches expectations etc. This year they jumped straight into pre-season training eg skills, structures, icing games etc so there should improvement but no guarantees of course.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Putting aside whether an entrenched tendency to fold is a positive or negative sign for the future, WC had just about the easiest 2014 draw out of anybody in terms of who they played. This year's draw is looking quite a bit harder for them (although still pretty plump for a side who finished 9th).
Macca
Guest
I'll give you credit for gumption Don, for a bloke who does nothing on this site but snipe, has admitted to inserting himself into threads he has no interest in simply to illicit a vitriolic response from other posters (ie tr oll), has spent the past 2 years or so baiting me and other posters with inane and off topic rubbish and would be out of his depth in a puddle to go down this line of attack is simply remarkable. If you don't like my post, don't comment on it - or better yet why don't you do everyone a favour and find another site to tr oll. (It is amazing though how some people seem unable to resist responding to a comment from a complete stranger though isn't it ;) )
Don Freo
Guest
There are lots of good contributions to discussions on The Roar. None of them are yours. I don't want your response at all...but you continue to shove yourself in. You don't have to, especially when you are out of your depth.
Macca
Guest
Sorry Don did I hit a nerve? And if you want me to respond to your comments with some "value" you really should try putting some into yours.
Macca
Guest
Dingo - I can't have North that high, they have had too many off season surgeries to key players, many of whom still haven't resumed full training.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
My take for what it's worth (not much I'm sure) 1. Hawthorn (to equal Brisbane's 3 on the trot) 2. Port (consolidate the last 12 months work) 3. North (will finally fulfil the promise to supporters) 4. Freo (The Rossy coaching abilities to keep them top 4, but not make GF) 5. Swans (Not convinced they won't fall further, Malecski a huge loss) 6. Suns(breakout season, finals is calling. Could even push Freo & Syd for Final Top 4 spot. 7. Tigers (They've reached there Peak with this list.) 8. Cats (on the decline, wanted to leave them out of the 8 completely, but I just couldn't completely Write them off as they always find a damn way)