Brodlach wrote:valleys07 wrote:JK wrote:There's that unexpected bolter every season, and Im beginning to wonder if it might be Gold Coast this year. Not to win the flag or anything, but near or in the 8 maybe?
I am starting to think that the Saints could be the bolter into the top 4 from outside of the 8.
Roo is looking as fit as he has ever been, and Bruce, Membrey and McCartin look to be developing nicely.
I like their mids. I rate Tom Hickey and think he is set for a big season. Steven, Armitage & Montagna are proven accumulators. Ross & Dunstan are developing into solid B grade mids, and they have some silk in Billings to rotate through there, who i think is ready to go bang this season.
Their key posts down back look a bit thin, which might be their undoing against the pacesetters. Carlisle will be a good inclusion, but they do lack a 2nd genuine tall.
I think Freo will be the side that could return to the 8 in 2017 from the bottom half, along with Port.
I was agreeing with everything until you said this

I just re-read the post. It should have read "I think Freo could return to the 8 in 2017 from the bottom half, along with Port".
I think North definitely drop out, and potentially Geelong also, leaving St. Kilda, Melbourne, Freo, Port & Geelong all in contention for the 2 questionable spots in the 8. Port the most likely to miss (can't blame me for trying to be optimistic- lets re-visit that when we are 1-3 haha), St.Kilda should play finals, so Melbourne, Freo and Geelong fighting it out for 8th for mine.