4th
Fremantle
Dockers
Why
here: The Dockers were cruelled by injuries in
2011, having at least 10 players ruled out each week of the season. They
still managed to finish 11th, and have the talent to better their 6th
place finish in 2010. Much will depend on how quickly they manage to adapt to
new coach Ross Lyon’s demands. If they embrace his methods a high finish is on
the cards.
Key
Player: Is there anything Nathan Fyfe can't do on the football oval? Despite his relatively skinny frame
he’s one of the best contested marks in the competition, and can rack up
contested possessions like few others. Should he increase on his tally of 18
goals, which is well within his capability, he’ll be the complete AFL player.
One
to watch: Hayden Crozier
gained national attention midway through last season with his spectacular mark
against WA in the national under-18 championships. He’s unlikely to get much of
a chance in the seniors this term, but if given a go is certainly capable of
something equally special with his leaping ability.
This
season will be a success if… the Dockers adapt
quickly to Lyon’s defensive gameplan. They’ve got the potential to be a great
side, and whilst they may still be a year or two from challenging for the flag
they can ruffle a few feathers this year.
Geelong
Cats
Why
here: The footy production line down at the Cattery continues, with the next batch of Cats youngsters appearing ready to
step up and keep the Cats in Premiership contention. They’re a well-rounded
side with few weaknesses and a strong gameplan, and the 7 home games they play
at Kardinia Park could easily provide 28 points for home.
Key
Player: New captain Joel Selwood is the beating heart of the current Premiers. Fiercely
competitive on the field, he always gives his all and rarely has a bad day at
the office. If there’s a contested possession to be won and Selwood is around
the ball expect him to emerge with it.
One
to watch: Billie Smedts has
been much-hyped in the pre-season and the young Cat should get plenty of time
on the oval to showcase his skills. Quick and agile, the utility player seems to
have finally gotten over his injuries and is ready to make an impact.
This
season will be a success if… the Cats win
another Premiership. It’s difficult to see the Cats finishing outside the top 4
after 5 consecutive seasons in the top 2, so they should be in the mix at the
business end of the season.
2nd
Collingwood
Magpies
Why
here: The Magpies smashed the competition for the
majority of last season, before limping home and falling over in the Grand
Final. They’ve got a strong line-up with star players all over the field, and have
given plenty of playing time to their youngsters over the past few seasons, who
have shown they’re up to the task when required.
Star
player: Scott Pendlebury may be the Brownlow
favourite, but Travis Cloke is more
important for the Pies structure. An imposing forward, he’s quick and strong, making him almost impossible to stop in a one-on-one contest. His kicking improved last
year, and in the first half of last year’s Grand Final he was unplayable.
One
to watch: Peter Yagmoor
showed plenty in the pre-season for the Pies, and should get his chance to
impress in the seniors this term. A lovely kick of the ball, he plays off the
half-back line and is capable of helping to fill the gap left by Leon Davis’ departure.
This
season will be a success if… the Pies avoid any
more long-term injuries. They’ve already lost Krakouer and Macaffer, and any
more setbacks will begin to severely test their depth. Otherwise it’s hard to
see the Collingwood juggernaut coming to a stop anytime soon.
1st
Hawthorn
Hawks
Why
here: The Hawks have been the pre-season fancies for many tipsters, closing in on the Pies in the Premiership betting market. It's easy to see why they're so liked; they've got a good mixture of youth and experience, with sublime kicking skills all over the park. Since round 1 last season they've only lost to the Cats & Pies, so have to be considered as one of the favourites.
Star player: Lance 'Buddy' Franklin is one of the most exciting players in the history of football. At his best he's capable of scoring a major from anywhere within 60 metres of the goal, with his booming left foot a real weapon. His only problem is some inconsistency with his goal kicking, particularly with set shots, however when he's getting 150+ shots a season that can be excused.
One to watch: Jack Gunston won the Mark Bickley award for Adelaide's best young player in 2011, before controversially stating his desire to move back to Victoria and naming his preferred team as the Hawks. He's a great kick of the ball and should find plenty of space in the forward line to significantly improve on his tally of 19 goals from 12 games last season.
Star player: Lance 'Buddy' Franklin is one of the most exciting players in the history of football. At his best he's capable of scoring a major from anywhere within 60 metres of the goal, with his booming left foot a real weapon. His only problem is some inconsistency with his goal kicking, particularly with set shots, however when he's getting 150+ shots a season that can be excused.
One to watch: Jack Gunston won the Mark Bickley award for Adelaide's best young player in 2011, before controversially stating his desire to move back to Victoria and naming his preferred team as the Hawks. He's a great kick of the ball and should find plenty of space in the forward line to significantly improve on his tally of 19 goals from 12 games last season.
This season will be a success if... the Hawks successfully manage their players throughout the season. The Cats & Pies have both learnt in the past couple of seasons how important it is to have your star players ready to perform in September, so the Hawks will have to make sure they're similarly well prepared.
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