Here are my early picks for the top eight in the 2019 AFL season.
1. Richmond
They will be hurting more than any other side during the pre-season. Very rarely does a side finish two games clear at the end of the season and get bundled out in the prelim.
Getting Tom Lynch will make them less predictable up forward and frees up Dustin Martin to play in the midfield where he is most damaging. Their blueprint for success is there in the form of Jack Darling.
2. Collingwood
They will be hurting almost as much as Richmond after missing out on a premiership by a solitary kick, albeit a controversial one.
Dayne Beams adds to their midfield depth and possibly frees up Scott Pendlebury to play as a general in defence in a similar manner to how Hawthorn used Luke Hodge.
Jamie Elliot coming back from injury will give opposition coaches another headache to deal with.
3. Essendon
Their form in the second half of the season was impressive enough to indicate a surge up the ladder. The inclusion of Dylan Shiel will cover for their lack of a strong bodied midfielder.
A top-four finish is contingent upon Joe Daniher finding his All-Australian form.
4. West Coast
The loss of Scott Lycett on top of not having Nic Naitanui plus the possibility of a premiership hangover has them sliding down to 4th.
5. Melbourne
The inclusion of Steven May and Jake Lever coming back strengthens their defence. Doubts remain over whether their midfield can challenge the sides that finished above them.
The loss of Jesse Hogan means they will be banking on Sam Wiedemann to come good as their second tall forward.
6. Adelaide
It’s rare for the Crows to have two poor seasons in a row. Expect them to bounce back. Undoubtedly the drama of their preseason camp interrupted their preparation in 2018.
7. Hawthorn
Expect them to float around the fringe of the eight for most of the season. Their ability to win close games should see them hold on to a spot in the eight.
8. Geelong
Should win enough games at GMHBA stadium to finish in the eight.
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Things heating up in Canberra!
Diplomatically answered, Darcy!
For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the now-traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG, there has been one thing conspicuously lacking over…
Old mate summing it up better than anyone possibly could!
