The highlights of the 2017 AFL Premiership season suggested that our great game is as healthy as it's ever been. From the miracle Tiger tale and the AFL debut in Shanghai, to record attendances and the introduction of the AFL Women's League, gives 2018 a lot to live up to. But just like any other year, every coach and every team is under pressure to perform. Some will shine brighter than others, so who are the teams to look out for? And who are the teams who will drop off from the pack? Bolters Expect Port Adelaide to bring a serious hunger for success in the new season. Their short term recruitment over the off-season impressed many. Arrivals of Tom Rockliff, Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, Steven Motlop, Lindsay Thomas, Dom Barry and Trent McKenzie wowed the AFL world with a high turnover of players, indicating one clear focus in 2018 - it's a premiership or bust for the Power. A midfield boasting the likes of All-Australian ruckman Patrick Ryder, star young guns Ollie Wines and Chad Wingard, and new recruit Rockliff, will be a clearance group to be reckoned with. Their depth is their only concern. Assuming all goes well on the injury front, I have them placed in the top four, holding out the always defiant Sydney. Another club with an invigoration injection are the Gold Coast Suns, as they begin a new era under first-time head coach Stuart Dew. Dew, formerly assistant coach of the Swans since 2010, brings quality intel, an edge of toughness, and demands his team to play high pressure football. Don't expect to see them in the eight this season, but do expect to see the Suns rise, playing some challenging, hard-nosed football. Stumblers After seasons of persistence with Nathan Buckley at the helm, Collingwood only seem to be heading in one direction... and that's down. For the last four years, each pre-season builds an expectation that the Pies will finally solve their issues and return to being the powerhouse they once were. However each time Buckley and his men have failed to produce, with their record since 2012 only worsening - going from 4th, to 8th, 11th, 12th, 12th, and last year 13th. Without any major list changes in the off season, it's hard to expect the same under performing unit to pull together a 13-win season. West Coast are a tough team to set aside, but the underlying factor for them this year will be their new home ground at Optus Stadium. The Eagles have enjoyed success over a long period of time at their Subiaco fortress, but a change in scenery may add a neutral advantage for opposition teams early in the season. Losing senior players Matt Priddis, Drew Petrie and Sam Mitchell also hurts their list, with West Coast's travelling form already being somewhat under-par for a number of seasons. I have them placed just outside the eight, finishing ninth, replaced by Essendon. Premiership Favourites 2017's McClelland Trophy winner and Grand Finalist, Adelaide have to be clear favorites once again for the flag. Their dominance last year was evident, and their stumble on the last afternoon in September was uncharacteristic. The Crows were recorded as number one in the competition last year for contested possessions, marks inside 50, and interceptions, plus number two for contested marks and clearances. Stats that only illustrate how well they execute their contested footy game plan. Yet despite the departure of key players Jake Lever and Charlie Cameron (and an ACL injury to Brodie Smith), depth is a major strength of theirs also, with players ready in the wings to proficiently replace almost any magnet on the whiteboard. And with the addition of Bryce Gibbs to their already testing midfield, 2018 might finally be the year that Adelaide break their 20-year premiership drought. Contenders The GWS Giants will certainly challenge the Crows for the holy grail, charging harder than ever off the back of two losing Preliminary Finals to both the ongoing premiers. Geelong's star-studded midfield of Dangerfield, Ablett and Selwood will also provide headaches for coaches across the league, especially with Dangerfield and Ablett's abilities to go forward and score heavily if required. Where are Richmond, you ask? They'll be around the mark again this year, no question. However not in my top four. Their forward pressure which they displayed in the Grand Final will be a blueprint which other clubs will wish to replicate this year. And if their fans weren't already out in force prior to last years success, they will be even more so this season. This season is set up to be one to remember. There will be whiskers separating the top two or three teams to the next four or five. Every point will be vital, and percentage crucial. If you thought last year was an even season, with more club premiership windows open than ever before, 2018 will be a battle of epic proportions. Bring on the footy. Ladder Prediction for 2018
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Sam TugwellSports Commentator, Archives
March 2019
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