I will have a stab at this. This will be the most even year since 2008 when about 3-4 had a chance at the flag. There is no big spender way out in front of everyone else. Recruits have been solid but there is no Daniel Harris this year. And as a midfielder I am happy I don't have to play on him again.
I will start with the teams I don't think can make it.
Westmeadows- Looks as if they have lost way too many of their best players to trouble the top sides. Will be in a real relegation fight this year. They will want to find some talent in the 18's or pull a rabbit out of the hat because at the moment it looks like a long year for the Tigers.
Hadfield- Plenty of young talent on the list. They have pace, skill and tricks. But they lack size and experience. Plus they have lost Wallace. They may be others that have gone but I am not 100%. Just cant see them getting past the top sides.
Northern Saints- Yes they have picked up 2 very good recruits. Yes they will get 30+ and kick a couple every week. But there are plenty of handy mids in this comp that do that. They desperately need size. And discipline. They have lost Bassman to Marby and Abdullah to VFL I believe. There could be others. And Bassman on his day was in the best couple of players in the comp. Too many holes for me just yet. Maybe a new coach and culture will help turn around things quickly.
The next 5 I believe will be slugging it out. Predictions are at end of round 18.
Craigieburn- Lost their best 5-6 and did not win a game last year. But then again that happened to Taylors Lakes the year before and they ended up finishing 3rd. I really only knew about the players they have lost. So thinking that they must have some young talent and have such a large area to recruit from I think they will be around the mix. Could crash and burn and find B grade very tough or surprise everyone and show just how much better A grade is. I predict 3rd-5th.
Taylors Lakes- Were very ordinary for the first 5-6 weeks last year then found their mojo late. Solid, even team. When up and going have a great work ethic. Sprinkled with some class with Sharky and Manton if he continues. Losing Morelli hurts. Depends on recruits. 2nd-5th.
Tullamarine- Have kept their list and added class. Haven't lost anyone of note. Smashed by injury last year. Plenty young talent. 2nd-4th.
Glenroy- Knocked off Grand Finalists late last year and have unearthed some impressive quick talent. Still rely heavily on a couple of old stagers but have added Kite and that immediately makes them a contender with their list. 1st-3rd
West Coburg- Lead by 9 goals in the GF in the 2nd quarter. Then Harris and his band of highly paid friends went bang and piled on 22 unanswered goals. They have lost Rabee (retired) although we have heard he is retired before, and Marwin to Marby (huge loss). They have Fitaxx out for 11 weeks and his sidekick missing 10. Grainger has luckily stayed. If he leaves they go from a contender to almost out of the 4. They really could finish anywhere in the mix. 1st-4th.
