Early Predictions for 2011 ladder

[HOORAY PUNT]

My reasoning is that the Eagles have gone about their business very quietly and have had minimal disruptions.
My thinking on Central (who I had 2nd which they were only 1 goal 1 from last year) is they won't have Callinan who is the main reason they have won the last couple. Also every year they win one they're closer to the hear they don't! Mind you I use a similar theory when gambling and usually lose too!

but We have Boyd for a full season PLUS O'Sullivan is ready to go AND an extremely fit Slattery back in. OH! Don't forget a huge 23 year old lump of a man called Alby at C/H/F. looking good, i think.

Regardless of the impressive young players coming through, I think the loss of Heath Lawry late in pre-season (as in too late to recruit a replacement for him) will expose Central's weakness in defence this season, I feel.

Time will tell but I just feel that they will not be as dominant in the midfield with the loss of Mackenzie (and possible loss of Callinan to the Crows) and defence will be their achilles heel this season.

The loss of 1 defensive player will hardly be an issue, sounds to me like your just playing it down. Centrals biggest loss is McKenzie , the rest have been more than covered.

[Big Phil]

The loss of 1 defensive player will hardly be an issue, sounds to me like your just playing it down. Centrals biggest loss is McKenzie , the rest have been more than covered.

Agree on the Mackenzie comment, that goes without saying, of course anyone who watches SANFL know he is irreplacable...

I disagree on the other part however as I think we will see this season how much the reigning premier will miss their best defender and 3rd placed B&F winner.

I'm interested in your 'the rest, more than covered' comment though, care to expand further on that?

Who is the key defender with a couple of premierships and is versatile enough to play at both ends that the Dogs recruited this year?

Alan Obst will he handy but will be a like for like replacement at full forward for Daniel Schell, I don't think Obst can play full back, not quick enough off the mark...

[HOORAY PUNT]

I will reply considering you have asked me a question and not be rude and ignore it .

The rest more than covered is fairly self explanatory , it means I think what is coming in is as good if not better than going out.

[CENTURION]

I will reply considering you have asked me a question and not be rude and ignore it .

The rest more than covered is fairly self explanatory , it means I think what is coming in is as good if not better than going out.

like I said, The Hummer will slot straight in to full forward, Alby at CHF, Hardy and Havelberg have the backlines well protected, Milne & Sutherland in ruck, with Jumping Jack Hannath learning his craft in the 2's, ready to step up.

[Big Phil]

I will reply considering you have asked me a question and not be rude and ignore it .

The rest more than covered is fairly self explanatory , it means I think what is coming in is as good if not better than going out.

Okay, fair enough, and I'll pay that little sarcastic dig at me, well played HP

Now, in a little more specific detail, if you don't mind, tell me the recruits that are 'as good, if not better' than:

Jason Mackenzie
Heath Lawry
Richard Cochrane
Adam Switala
Daniel Schell (Alan Obst like for like, but maybe not as flexible or skillfull as Schell IMO)

I think the Dogs will certainly still be competitive this year, no doubt, but not sure they are going to have the depth or defensive strength they have had in season's past. Just IMHO...

[Big Phil]

Anyway, to keep this thread on track, I'll have a go at the ladder...

Eagles
Glenelg
Central
Norwood
West

North
Sturt
South
Port

[HOORAY PUNT]

Phil ,I often laugh at your " to keep this on track " comment. If you seem so intent on keeping things on track why are you guilty of taking it off track or keeping it off track ?
Obviously you realise that you don't respond to some messages , point made hey and good self awareness Phil.

Have some faith in your younger players and recruits .

[The Sleeping Giant]

One Centrals fan says they are better now, then another says they are worse. Anyway, it's just a prediction thread, not sure why people are getting so defensive.

[HOORAY PUNT]

Couldn't agree more .

[doggies4eva]

Glenelg
Norwood
Sturt
North
Eagles

Port
West
Central
South

Dogger has at 8th. Anyone want to go better and put us bottom?

Dogger, you are such a pessimist!

[The Sleeping Giant]

Glenelg
Norwood
Sturt
North
Eagles

Port
West
Central
South

Dogger has at 8th. Anyone want to go better and put us bottom?

Dogger, you are such a pessimist!

Is that the politically correct term these days.

[Grahaml]

I will reply considering you have asked me a question and not be rude and ignore it .

The rest more than covered is fairly self explanatory , it means I think what is coming in is as good if not better than going out.

Okay, fair enough, and I'll pay that little sarcastic dig at me, well played HP

Now, in a little more specific detail, if you don't mind, tell me the recruits that are 'as good, if not better' than:

Jason Mackenzie
Heath Lawry
Richard Cochrane
Adam Switala
Daniel Schell (Alan Obst like for like, but maybe not as flexible or skillfull as Schell IMO)

I think the Dogs will certainly still be competitive this year, no doubt, but not sure they are going to have the depth or defensive strength they have had in season's past. Just IMHO...

MacKenzie: Milne and Sutherland will be expected to both improve. Sutherland showed enough and has the size to shoulder lead duties at least reasonably well. Should be a lot better with a preseason under his belt and not thrown in at the last minute. Milne hopefully is fully recovered, but Hardy can always be used as an emergency ruckman
Lawry: Hardy will step in there.
Cochrane: didn't play last year, so he doesn't need replacing.
Switala: was a fringe player at the end, based on what I saw I can imagine a few guys stepping up into his role fairly easily. Slattery being just one, but also someone like Barmby or Musolino.
Schell: Obst this year should be better then Schell last year. Obst in his prime, Schell was obviously near the end.

As for depth, we have a few reserves players I expect will be better. Schiller among the leading candidates to slide into Callinan's spot should he play AFL from the start. But O'Sullivan could be vital this year. Jenner, Boyd, Sansbury, Thomas, Goodrem and Dutchke will all have to cover the loss somewhat but I suspect most of those guys would expect better years this year than last.

[beenreal]

End of Minor Round:

Eagles
Central
Glenelg
Port
West

Norwood
North
South
Sturt

Had tea down the Bay last night (1 1/4 hour wait for a schnitty didn't impress, but the schnitty did).

The topic turned to finals. In an era of game-plans and match strategies, having watched their performances over the past few years, it appears that anything they practice on the small Glenelg Oval comes unstuck on the wide expanses of Footy Park, when that extra kick comes into play. I don't think that's going to change this season.

[fish]

The topic turned to finals. In an era of game-plans and match strategies, having watched their performances over the past few years, it appears that anything they practice on the small Glenelg Oval comes unstuck on the wide expanses of Footy Park, when that extra kick comes into play. I don't think that's going to change this season.

An interesting point beenreal. I seem to remember Glenelg losing a few recent finals at Adelaide Oval though. I reckon the problem is in their heads.

[Wedgie]

It's a pity the Bays don't get the opportunity to play in the Foxtel Cup which may have given them some more experience on larger grounds. Oh hang on........

[on the rails]

Beenreal - high expectations for the Magpies, you have them ahead of Norwood? Based on what??? I haven't seen any recruiting or change from 2010 to now that suggests Port will rise up the table other than "the younger players will be better and more experienced" - that applies to all clubs and to be honest you couldn't beat North in 3 attempts last year yet you even lept us on the "prediction scale"?

[robranisgod]

Beenreal - high expectations for the Magpies, you have them ahead of Norwood? Based on what??? I haven't seen any recruiting or change from 2010 to now that suggests Port will rise up the table other than "the younger players will be better and more experienced" - that applies to all clubs and to be honest you couldn't beat North in 3 attempts last year yet you even lept us on the "prediction scale"?

And as has previously been pointed out, Port's "young" team had an average age older than North's, at least in the last clash.

[whufc]

I think North will be improvers this year and will be fighting for the 5th spot with Westies.

Like most teams injuries play a major part but if North can get Allan and Alleway on the park more than last season i think they will improve just on that alone.

Also how many games did Matty Wright play last year, i rate this bloke very highly and think his ready to have a big year with the roosters possibly cracking the crows side late in the year.

Throw in a fresh start with a more attacking game plan and i think the players are really going to have 'fun' with Francou in his first year of coaching.

[Royal City]

I think North will be improvers this year and will be fighting for the 5th spot with Westies.

Like most teams injuries play a major part but if North can get Allan and Alleway on the park more than last season i think they will improve just on that alone.

Also how many games did Matty Wright play last year, i rate this bloke very highly and think his ready to have a big year with the roosters possibly cracking the crows side late in the year.

Throw in a fresh start with a more attacking game plan and i think the players are really going to have 'fun' with Francou in his first year of coaching.

I think the opposite.

An injury to Allen and or Alleway early could see them as spoon favourites IMHO.

[whufc]

I think North will be improvers this year and will be fighting for the 5th spot with Westies.

Like most teams injuries play a major part but if North can get Allan and Alleway on the park more than last season i think they will improve just on that alone.

Also how many games did Matty Wright play last year, i rate this bloke very highly and think his ready to have a big year with the roosters possibly cracking the crows side late in the year.

Throw in a fresh start with a more attacking game plan and i think the players are really going to have 'fun' with Francou in his first year of coaching.

I think the opposite.

An injury to Allen and or Alleway early could see them as spoon favourites IMHO.

i hope your right!!!