Predictions for the AFL 2008 Premiership

Who will be there in September?

Season 2007 turned out to be an interesting season to say the least. There are two memories which stand out in my mind above all the others.

The first was the shenanigans, or as some would describe it as the implosion of the West Coast Eagles. The top WA side that have been strong for so many years and a club who has been renowned for its professionalism slid to unexpected depths. We all felt for club legend and coach John Worsfold who was a tough, strong and disciplined player who now had to try and explain how a number of senior players could stray so far from the club values so revered in the past.

What became so apparent was that some players were putting themselves first and the club, supporters and the game second. Cousin’s demise did not surprise many in WA or even the wider football community as there had been concern for some time surrounding his off field behaviour.

Since he was a young teenager, Cousins was told by a range of people that he would be a Superstar. This prophecy came true and with it Cousins attracted a legion of fans, celebrity fame and all the trappings that come with it. His actions have had a profoundly negative affect on a proud club but the club will bounce back. I hope Ben also bounces back personally with his football being a secondary concern.

The second, more appealing memory was seeing Geelong come into its own and finally getting over its reputation of underperforming in finals! I think the last few disappointing finals appearances will now be a distant memory. Geelong impressed both supporters and non-supporters with their style of play which has been lacking in recent seasons with many AFL clubs. Let’s hope Geelong has some influence over other sides so that they may at least attempt to emulate their attacking style and drop the overly defensive style which in my opinion spoils the game of AFL. Creativity and flair should be encouraged to draw new fans to our great game.

Teams to watch:

It would be daring to discount the Cats in 2008 not making the Grand Final again in 2008. If they do manage to get there, I can only hope their opposition will be stronger than their 2007 opponents of Port Adelaide who had spent all their pennies in the lead up.

A lot of scrutiny will be focused on the performance of the Carlton Football Club, with the picking up of the number one draft pick and the best player in the AFL - Chris Judd. Will Judd be worth 3-4 players to the Blues? Or will he be of lesser impact given he will be playing for Carlton and not West Cost Eagles (in the past few years a much more talented line up).

Essendon is another team to keep your eye on this year as they farewell the end of an era with Kevin Sheedy leaving the coaching realms. His successor Matthew Knights has a big job ahead but don’t be surprised to see significant improvement from the Bombers.

Fremantle will be the other interesting side with Harvey taking over the coaching role last year. Can he repeat what Roos did with an experienced Sydney line up? The toughness of Harvey will work wonders with the Dockers, leaving them no more excuses. The Dockers should make the top 4 this year and you may see a new No1 side in Perth.

Predictions for 2008

Sydney Swans
The Swans started the season slowly last year and can certainly not afford to do the same again this year. If they do, look for the Swans to finish outside of the 8. However with Roos as their coach anything is still possible. I don’t know why they let Schneider go?! 

Swans 6th.

Adelaide Crows
Having seen the Crows perform in the pre-season I believe the Crows are strong and their style of play will always win games. Many predicted McLeod to be on the slide a few years ago with his groin injury but at 33 he is still one of their best players and one of the best in the competition. I know you cannot take too much out of pre-season games however after picking Geelong last year from the pre-season to win the GF I am confident that the Crows will finish top 8.

Prediction 7th.

Brisbane Lions
Quiet a few are predicting big things from the Lions this year or should I say from Jonathon Brown. I think the Lions should re-name their club “Brown Dog”! My view however differs from many and I believe the Lions over performed last year. I know they finished reasonably strong but although I am very impressed with their young talent I cannot see enough overall experience across the board for the Lions to finish top 8.

Prediction 11th.

West Coast
After last year there challenge is to once again become a respected team with some individual players still rated as class players of the competition, this might not be enough.  A challenge for new skipper Darren Glass but I’m game to back against the Weegles this year! Big call here as they are always strong at home where they have 11 home games but it is time for a new beginning starting outside the 8.

Prediction 10th.

Fremantle Dockers
Now here is a side which is well overdue to put in a performance.  If the Dockers do not shine this year then they will have run out of excuses. Some will say Freo are too slow and old and I will say give them one more year. This could be Freo’s year! You could see Fremantle come into their own and the coach will only help with thus under performing excuse making WA team. To me another painfully close but no cigar season!

Prediction 9th.

Port Adelaide
Over performers last year!? Never underestimate the S.A Magpies, Mark Williams is a shrewd operator and they have plenty of young talent. It will be tough for them to re-produce a performance like last year but I have written them off before to my embarrassment so not this time.

Prediction 3rd.

Geelong Cats
After last seasons brilliant performance and finishing of with a 159 point Grand Final victory you must say that Geelong are favorites to do the double! Even an under performing Geelong have too much talent across the board for most teams in the Comp. They will make the Grand Final but you know what they say it’s still anyone’s on the day.

Prediction 1st.

Collingwood Magpies
Collingwood are a tough team to rate. They do have a solid coach and overall in 2007 you would say they had a pretty good season, going close against Geelong in the finals was a solid performance. As much as I hate saying it, the Magpies have enough talent all over the ground and also play a good brand/style of footy. Let’s just hope that Malthouse enables them to play their free flowing game, which we all know they are good at. As we all know Malthouse loves his defensive style of play and I guess you cannot bag him for it as it helped West Coast win two premierships in the 90’s.

Prediction 4th .

Richmond Tigers
The Tigers are an unknown quantity. They could surprise this year but I doubt it. Tigers could finish top 8 or down the bottom. Because I have to make a prediction I will say 12th but not with any great confidence.

Carlton Blues
Judd will help the blues immensely however he is only 1 player. I believe the Blues showed enough last season to improve significantly this season. The only problem is even if they do win 3-4 more games they will still finish down the lower end of the ladder.

Prediction 15th.

St Kilda Saints
St Kilda is another side that play a good style of footy when they get going. St Kilda are due to have a good consistent season and are a quality side when they play a good running brand of footy. They have plenty of talls and a good blend of youth. Their depth is also strong. It is now time for the Saints to step up and perform well all year. Again a good start to the season will definitely help.

Prediction 6th.
Western Bulldogs 
For mine the Bulldogs simply with not enough strength across the board. When they get going the can play a good style of footy, free flowing game but only in spurts and only against weak opposition. The bullies need more individual talent

Prediction 14th.

Essendon Bombers
The bombers have some good young running players and I like their running style of play. Although the Bombers do have a few of the best players in the competition in Lucas, Lloyd and Fletcher they are getting older and injuries could affect them this season. Speed and flare will be their weapons in ’08 so stay tuned, this year they will sneak in for a sniff of finals action.

Prediction 8th.

Hawthorn Hawks
Hawks were consistent last year and I can see them looking at consolidating last seasons effort and would not surprise to see the Hawks finish top 4. They are a team with great depth and are hungry to be successful so I believe a shot at the title is within their grasp.

Prediction 2nd.

North Melbourne
Kangaroos have come to age as a solid “Footy team” I still however believe that the Roos need to play at there best most of the season to be a true force and to give them any chance of competing for the flag. They are however a good solid football team and It would not surprise too many to see them finish top 8 however I’m not so optmistic. It could also be time for Laidley to shine.
Prediction 13th

Melbourne Demons
Certainly cannot see this side making the 8 this year. Maybe in 3-4. Melbourne simply do not have enough depth and talent in their squad. When a 33-year-old injury prone David Neitz is still their captain, because they have nobody else capable of taking over the reigns, this does not make Melbourne’s 2008 season prospects look very promising. The Dees will struggle once again and Melbourne supporters will be doing it tough once again.
They will finish last and who know they may not even receive the number 1 draft pick after the AFL possibly reviews a fairer way of divvying up draft picks/selections to reward teams winning at the end of the season instead of TANKING games, just like the rumours suggested Carton did last year.

Prediction 16th

GRAND Finalists Prediction 2008

Geelong V Hawthorn

All in all, 2008 shapes up to be a fantastic, action packed season. I look forward to seeing you at one of the games.

Fish

Paul Salmon is the Legends Club AFL Ambassador.

For more information on how you can have Paul attend one of your events please call 1300 266 366.

Contact Paul Salmon