AFL Season Preview – The Middle Six

Any of these next six teams could see September action.  I can’t remember a tougher year to predict the final 8, with so many mid range contenders.  unfortunately for some of these teams 12 doesn’t go into 8, so I have had to leave a few genuine finals chances out of my final 8.  Here is my 7-12, with my top Six appearing in my blog tomorrow.

I would be interested in your thoughts about my predictions, and perhaps some of yours.  No matter who you club everyone will be excited about the proper commencement of Round One.

7^th Fremantle

Ross Lyon has jumped ship, and for very good reason.  Over the past few years Mark Harvey has built a very good team that was decimated by injuries last year.  Sandilands and Pavlich will once again be dominant around Subiaco.  You would expect Fremantle to win the majority of their home games, ensuring them a high finish.  Expect another solid year from Mundy, with support from youngster Moribito and Barlow.

8^th Adelaide

My biggest improvers for season 2012, I see Adelaide making the finals.  The AFL fixture have been extremely kind to the crows, playing easy beats GWS and Gold Coast twice, and Collingwood and Hawthorn only once.  Bigger things will be expected of Taylor Walker and Kurt Tippett this year, and I think we will some more attacking football.  Already having a NAB cup in the trophy cabinet, September action will be on the crows radar this year.

9^th Sydney Swans

Whatever happens this year, Sydney will finish ahead of their new rivals.  Sydney will be once again a contender for a finals place, but I have them just missing out.  Goodes, and Bolton will be standouts once again, but youngsters like GWS target Sam Reid will have to stand up.  Sydney will be hoping they have secured a finals birth by round 18, because the club has to toughest run home on any club; finishing with Carlton, Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Geelong.

10^th St Kilda

Some might be surprised by my prediction, but I think Ross Lyon has jumped off this sinking ship at the right time.  The same hunger doesn’t seem to be there for the saints as when they were winning for fun.  New coach Scott Waters should breathe new life into the Saints, and their supporters will be hoping more attacking football is on his coaching agenda.

11^th Richmond

The most impressive Victorian team in the NAB Cup this year by far, but how long will it last.  The young tigers are showing great promise and now have experience playing under Coach Damien Hardwick.  The future is looking bright for Richmond but I think their first few rounds of playing Carlton, Collingwood, West Coast and Geelong will bring their band of loyal supporters back to reality.

12^th North Melbourne

This year sees the club explore Hobart for more revenue, whilst financially it makes sense you have to ask if it will hurt them on field.    If Drew Petrie fires the club will make the 8, but he is too inconsistent for mine.  2012 will be another ‘almost’ year for the Kangaroos, and at times home attendances figures will be more important than the scoreboard for James Brayshaw and his board members.

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