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Having cracked open the cookies with a stack of coaches in Part 1, let’s see what the baked goods predict for a few more of the AFL’s clipboard holders this season.
Chris Scott – Geelong Cats
What the fortune cookie thinks: “It’s not over yet.”
Geelong have been ‘too old’ for three years. But it seems the fortune cookie has a bit in store for the Cats yet.
What I think: Geelong can still finish in the top five and potentially top four. With the addition of Mitch Clark they will have a wider spread of goalkickers, but even if they finish fourth or fifth we won’t see them make the grand final this year.
I have to disagree with the cookie here. Their finals record over the last few years suggests they are on the way down.
Rodney Eade – Gold Coast Suns
What the fortune cookie thinks: “The time is now to throw everything at your goal.”
The Suns have to make the top eight this year, they have so much talent. Guy McKenna would still have his job had the Suns not have fallen away after Gary Ablett’s injury last year.
What I think: We will finally see Gary Ablett play finals again. It’s time for Tom Lynch, Jaeger O’Meara, David Swallow, Dion Prestia, Gary Ablett, Harley Bennell, Nick Malceski and the like to force their way into the top eight.
They’ll be an exciting team to follow this year, and I’m right behind Ablett to win his third Brownlow Medal.
Leon Cameron – Greater Western Sydney Giants
What the fortune cookie thinks: “The future is yours.”
The Giants will look to follow in Gold Coast’s footsteps of last season and really prove themselves.
What I think: With the inclusion of Ryan Griffen and Joel Patfull, GWS have added some useful experience, and their young guns are more experienced. It’s time to see them take the first step in escaping the bottom four and into the ninth-twelfth range.
They also need to re-sign young guns Adam Treloar and Dylan Shiel. My guess is that if they finish thirteenth of below, one of them will look for a move to Victoria.
Alastair Clarkson – Hawthorn Hawks
What the fortune cookie thinks: “The dream is within you.”
It’s a big year for the Hawks, they could go for a three-peat, which we haven’t seen since Brisbane in 2001-2003. The fortune cookie refers to Hawthorn needing to give it everything they’ve got to achieve the ultimate glory.
What I think: With the addition of James Frawley, Hawthorn’s defence will only be stronger, and with such a talented all-round team, I’d be floored if they didn’t make the grand final.
Paul Roos – Melbourne Demons
What the fortune cookie thinks: “Does this fit your diet restrictions?”
The beginning of the paleo-diet being used in Melbourne has interested a few people, with the Demons confident that it will give them an edge.
What I think: Melbourne still have one more year in the bottom four – likely in 15th position this season.
Their youngsters will continue to build experience and we might see the first baby steps of Melbourne improving greatly in 2016. The additions of Jeff Garlett and Heritier Lumumba should help their structure and balance of seasoned players.
Brad Scott – North Melbourne Kangaroos
What the fortune cookie thinks: “The roof won’t be to blame.”
I’ve been annoyed with the constant experimenting of the roof at Etihad Stadium, but it at least provides entertainment when it annoys Brad Scott. The fortune cookie seems to think not everything will go to plan this year and the Kangaroos won’t finish in the top four, but this time Scott cannot blame the roof.
What I think: I rate North Melbourne as a potential top-four side, but they are going to need to clean up their acts against the poor sides. They have beaten all of the top six or so clubs recently, but they lack that genuine superstar to take charge of the competition.
We’ll continue to see games being won against the top sides, but too many easy ones still being let go.
Ken Hinkley – Port Adelaide Power
What the fortune cookie thinks: “Now is the time to unleash your life force.”
They were devastatingly close to their first grand final appearance since 2007 last year, but it wasn’t to be.
What I think: The addition of Paddy Ryder improves their forwards and ruck stocks, and their game plan is hard to match up against.
The Power will be grand finalists, with Travis Boak and Robbie Gray leading the way.
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