Will Geelong make the 8 this year?

For the first half of last season, the Geelong Cats seemed to be making progress, yet as the season came to a close it all seemed to fall in a screaming heap.
Over summer rumours were rife about the proposed sacking of their coach Mark Thompson, it was suggested that CEO Frank Costa had stood up for Mark Thompson and in a way put his neck out for him. Thompson lived to stay on as a result of Costa's support.
Fast forward to this season, will Geelong be in a position to make the 8?
I would like to think so, yet I think that they will just miss out this year and if that proves to be the case, Mark Thompson will likely fall on his sword.
Geelong's advantage over some sides in the AFL is Kardina Park and having a distinct home ground advantage. I feel that this gives them something extra which may help them over the line in a few of the closer contests keeping them in touch with the 8.
They do have some exciting young players, Gary Ablett Junior will hopefully give people something to see this year, yet that is a similar story for many AFL clubs. I think that it is about handling pressure from outside and I think that this is where Geelong may stumble somewhat.
Over summer rumours were rife about the proposed sacking of their coach Mark Thompson, it was suggested that CEO Frank Costa had stood up for Mark Thompson and in a way put his neck out for him. Thompson lived to stay on as a result of Costa's support.
Fast forward to this season, will Geelong be in a position to make the 8?
I would like to think so, yet I think that they will just miss out this year and if that proves to be the case, Mark Thompson will likely fall on his sword.
Geelong's advantage over some sides in the AFL is Kardina Park and having a distinct home ground advantage. I feel that this gives them something extra which may help them over the line in a few of the closer contests keeping them in touch with the 8.
They do have some exciting young players, Gary Ablett Junior will hopefully give people something to see this year, yet that is a similar story for many AFL clubs. I think that it is about handling pressure from outside and I think that this is where Geelong may stumble somewhat.