2015 Ladder predictions

[Old Dark Blues]

Hawthorn won the flag with those injuries.

Bullshit.

 

[blueiris]

1. Hawthorn
2. Sydney
3. Port
4. Geelong
5. Freo
6. North
7. Richmond
8. Adelaide

9. West Coast
10. Essendon
11. Collingwood
12. Gold Coast
13. Carlton
14. GWS
15. Bulldogs
16. Melbourne
17. St. Kilda

Really, teams from 6-12 could be in the 8 at the end of the year. Will be a tight finish at the end of the season I feel, much like this year.

You forgot Brisbane

 

[Old Dark Blues]

Old Dark Blues...stick to the Blues board. People have been deluded for years over there about Carlton's list quality. I remember some of the hard core people would list ruckman as KPP when trying to cover over the cracks of a lack of KPF/KPD.

Carlton have been in a mess and are still in a mess because they have no easy avenue to goal. For ten years now Carlton have pumped the ball inside 50 6/7 times in a row...even more than that only to see it fly over their head for a simple goal down their other end after 15 minutes of sustained attack. Without either 1/2 elite KPPs at either end or elite field kicking, Carlton are screwed no matter how hard Murph/Gibbs/Simpson/Thomas/Judd others in the midfield try.

Finding players like docherty is all well and good...and more players like him...even if Thomas stands up...but those flankers no matter how good only get you so far. You need one KPP star in either your fwd/backline to have a chance...right now, all of our KPP are mediocroe or worse. That is where Carlton are at. Seeing Jaksch go down is demoralising...not because he is an instant answer but because he is our chance of having someone elite maybe in two years time.

You will attack me as a Carlton traitor and others of blue background will do the same...but Carlton are a mess list wise still. Jamison is average...Kruezer is honestly like Quayle said...caught in between roles of a ruck (not tall enough) and not agile enough for KPF. Because he is a blues players...the blues board spend hours rationalizing why he is awesome and Emma quayle an idiot. Levi cant kick. Hendo is just ok, good sometimes...but honestly..with a niggle...he is poor. Because we have no one else...we talk him up like he is top quality. Right now, if your honest to yourself Waite is a big loss...hope wise...maybe not reality wise but in hope he would stand a full season.

Sad state of affairs...age profile sicks, luck at the draft has sucked (no blaming recruitment), just even luck sucked. KPP talls are poor and time will run out for Gibbs/Murph so we need to find two more elite mids.

That is reality for Blues fans. But the deluded will come en masse!

Mate you are talking out your arse you really are.

No one likes to listen to a Blues support talk us up like were going to win the flag - its moronic - but equally moronic is just throwing your hands up and talking absolute SPUD. First class Idaho. Fried chips champ. Show some balance.

Lets get a few things straight.


For ten years now Carlton have pumped the ball inside 50 6/7 times in a row

You obviously didn't watch any football last year. No seriously - that was once true. We lost three games last year in devastating fashion - true - yet we went down to the best in the AFL 8 times by under a kick with an absolutely SHOCKING injury list and managed to beat some of the top teams.

So what the hell are you TALKING about ?

Hendo is not just OK - he was injured, and when he played he went ballistic kicked 6 goals in a single match. Are you on crack ?

Levi has kicking issues - no one has doubted that. No one. However he is probably amongst the best pack marks (top 5) in the AFL right now. Fix his kicking, which is happening if you bothered watching football, and you have an absolute weapon. Kicked 5 in one game.

Also not sure if watched any football (seems like you haven't) but Kreuzer didn't even play last year - does that escape you. WTF ? Have you seen him ? Have bothered to even go and have a look at the guy ? I was watching him in Coburg with the kids recently - mate you need to get your act together because you have no idea. He is a TOTALLY different body, totally different physique - and when he is fit he is one of the most influential players going around. Just absurd denigrating Kruzer. Like quite simply incredibly silly. People who place Kruzer as EITHER a ruck or a FORWARD fail to understand his ACTUAL role which is an on baller with one of the biggest tanks in the team who just runs all day, through anything, can clunk a great mark. Why was he playing so poorly ?

HE WAS PLAYING INJURED ! As was WALKER as was half the team - hence why 13 blokes went in for surgery.

Waite was not a big loss - I really hate to break this to you but you can not, you simply can NOT have a player in a team who holds such an intrinsic and important role who has played the least amount of football of any AFL player over the course of their AFL career. Yes - Waite.

His injuries and suspensions have placed him as the most irregular AFL player in his era. How happy are you going to be next season when Waite is injured for 3 months, comes back and gets suspended meanwhile Jones is kicking 3 goals a game ? Stupidity mate.

Our age profile ? Waite Scotland Mclean Duigan - plus 23 new players - I'm seriously not sure if you are taking the piss or you are talking about Everton and have your sports entirely confused.

 

[FootyEcstatics]

My Ladder Prediction for 2015:

1. Port Adelaide 18-4 - What a turnaround in only 48 months from this team, from 14th place and no hope making finals within the next decade, to making the preliminary finals and being 5 points away from making a shock grand final appearance. I believe it is Port Adelaide's year!!

2. Sydney Swans 16-6 - I expect them to bounce back and make the grand final next year. They will redeem themselves after that flogging against Hawthorn.

3. Hawthorn 16-6 - They can possibly make history by winning a third consecutive premiership which Melbourne (1939-1941 & 1955-1957), Carlton (1906-1908) and Brisbane (2001-2003) achieved this. It was be a big ask for Hawthorn as some of the premiership players may retire in the near future, but they have some young talent so there should be nothing to fear for these Hawks.

4. Geelong Cats 16-6 - I believe they will defy the doubters and make another top 4 finish. Yes, they bowed out in straight sets in the finals, they are an elite team and will be hard to see them fall away in my eyes. Their young talent will shine, Motlop to have his best season yet and Clark will provide great support for Hawkins. The trio will kick about 100 goals between them, which will see Geelong in a qualifying final, ahead of Fremantle on percentage.

5. Fremantle 16-6 - I have a good feeling that Fremantle will stay in premiership contention, I think McPharlin will retire at season's end and Pavlich has about two years left. I believe Fremantle can bounce back next year after exiting the finals in straight sets like Geelong, and can possibly make a preliminary final.

6. North Melbourne 13-9 - Hard to say that they are going to be a top 4 side, booking a home elimination final is the pass mark for North. Tarrant needs to have a good year, he only played one game in 2014, has never got his body right, and has been struck down with injury every season. Waite will give North a boost in the forward line, he will gain more form and become more consistent. I don't see them going very deep into September, but a top 6 finish is still a good result.

7. West Coast Eagles 12-10 - I reckon West Coast will make the 8 after dropping matches they should have won in 2014. Naitanui has a big year to come, Waters should return and make an impact to the Eagles' finals campaign, this time as the only Eagle left from their 2006 Premiership win.

8. Gold Coast Suns 12-10 - I have a feeling that the Suns will play the finals in 2015, but the Suns need to start winning games when Ablett isn't around, otherwise another finals failure.

9. Adelaide Crows 11-11 - There is some work to do for Adelaide. New coach, Dangerfield and Sloane on free agency, some uneasiness will come for them, inconsistency will still be a worry and they'll just miss out on the finals again for the third time straight, a first since 1994-1996.

10. Collingwood 10-12 - More of the same from Collingwood. Injuries won't be the next pathetic excuse from Bucks. If I were him, I'd watch my back, he's in trouble. The Magpies will wobble out of finals contention in 2015.

11. Brisbane Lions 9-13 - This is an interesting prediction for Brisbane, and some people may raise their eyebrows reading this. They are an underrated side heading into next season, they have Christensen, Robinson and young stars like Zorko, Rockliff, Hanley, Martin will shine in the maroon, blue and gold. May would say that the Lions will go into next season as cellar-dwellers, but I believe they will be better than that. If they should have a successful season as I expect, they will be a finals contender in 2016.

12. GWS Giants 9-13 - Bright future in sight, despite losing their #1 draft pick, Tom Boyd, they got Ryan Griffen and he will join the Giants on their rise up the ladder. They will have patches of good form but consistency will be area to improve on. They will have their best season to date, and I expect them to play finals by 2017.

13. Richmond 8-14 - Consecutive finals for the first time in 40 years, 9 consecutive wins and defeating Sydney in the last round, they were all flukes!! This season will be much harder, coach Hardwick could be at risk.

14. Essendon 8-14 - Following the ASADA issues, loss of Paddy Ryder and now, loss of Bomber, the plot has been lost!! No way Essendon can make it close to the 8. Cooney won't do much in his first season at the club and I fear that Chapman will retire.

15. Carlton 7-15 - A lot of work to do for Carlton, many questions to be answered in regards to where they are heading. In 2015, their season will never be on track.

16. Western Bulldogs 6-16 - Beveridge's first season as coach will be a slow season. Still a load of things for my doggies to get right, especially losing Griffen and Cooney, so much experience has been thrown out and it will be difficult to fill those holes. They'll take a step backwards and assess where their future stands.

17. Melbourne 5-17 - I don't see them doing any different, they'll stagnate again. I think they will fly up the ladder in about 4-5 years time.

18. St Kilda 5-17 - They'll be at the bottom again, unfortunately I think it will be like this for some time, like Melbourne. They will grab their 28th wooden spoon.

Coleman Medalist: Buddy Franklin again.......
Brownlow Medalist: Josh P Kennedy

 

[carnthedons]

Old Dark Blues...stick to the Blues board. People have been deluded for years over there about Carlton's list quality. I remember some of the hard core people would list ruckman as KPP when trying to cover over the cracks of a lack of KPF/KPD.

Carlton have been in a mess and are still in a mess because they have no easy avenue to goal. For ten years now Carlton have pumped the ball inside 50 6/7 times in a row...even more than that only to see it fly over their head for a simple goal down their other end after 15 minutes of sustained attack. Without either 1/2 elite KPPs at either end or elite field kicking, Carlton are screwed no matter how hard Murph/Gibbs/Simpson/Thomas/Judd others in the midfield try.

Finding players like docherty is all well and good...and more players like him...even if Thomas stands up...but those flankers no matter how good only get you so far. You need one KPP star in either your fwd/backline to have a chance...right now, all of our KPP are mediocroe or worse. That is where Carlton are at. Seeing Jaksch go down is demoralising...not because he is an instant answer but because he is our chance of having someone elite maybe in two years time.

You will attack me as a Carlton traitor and others of blue background will do the same...but Carlton are a mess list wise still. Jamison is average...Kruezer is honestly like Quayle said...caught in between roles of a ruck (not tall enough) and not agile enough for KPF. Because he is a blues players...the blues board spend hours rationalizing why he is awesome and Emma quayle an idiot. Levi cant kick. Hendo is just ok, good sometimes...but honestly..with a niggle...he is poor. Because we have no one else...we talk him up like he is top quality. Right now, if your honest to yourself Waite is a big loss...hope wise...maybe not reality wise but in hope he would stand a full season.

Sad state of affairs...age profile sicks, luck at the draft has sucked (no blaming recruitment), just even luck sucked. KPP talls are poor and time will run out for Gibbs/Murph so we need to find two more elite mids.

That is reality for Blues fans. But the deluded will come en masse!

A little more harsh than I would've been and believe me I've got no warmth towards the CFC, but a reasoned post nonetheless. I think Henderson is better than just ok, he's not a superstar but you only have 1 of him so he can't play both ends for you.

Jamison is a good player, if slightly undersized to go with the really big key fwds.

Casboult is limited (even if he kicked 5 against my mob), Watson too (he kicked 4 against los bombres, see a common theme here?).

Kreuzer's a classic tweener. At his size he needs to be quicker/more athletic (see Naitanui/Ryder) or a more forward/ruck style (like Hale).

Jaksch is just a kid but could be anything from delisted in 2-3 years to a star. I reckon it's probably somewhere in the middle.

Think next season will be a struggle for your lot and there's more pain to come but Menzel & Buckley look the goods. Just need some mates to go with them.

 

[no orange peeler]

My Ladder Prediction for 2015:

1. Port Adelaide 18-4 - What a turnaround in only 48 months from this team, from 14th place and no hope making finals within the next decade, to making the preliminary finals and being 5 points away from making a shock grand final appearance. I believe it is Port Adelaide's year!!

2. Sydney Swans 16-6 - I expect them to bounce back and make the grand final next year. They will redeem themselves after that flogging against Hawthorn.

3. Hawthorn 16-6 - They can possibly make history by winning a third consecutive premiership which Melbourne (1939-1941 & 1955-1957), Carlton (1906-1908) and Brisbane (2001-2003) achieved this. It was be a big ask for Hawthorn as some of the premiership players may retire in the near future, but they have some young talent so there should be nothing to fear for these Hawks.

4. Geelong Cats 16-6 - I believe they will defy the doubters and make another top 4 finish. Yes, they bowed out in straight sets in the finals, they are an elite team and will be hard to see them fall away in my eyes. Their young talent will shine, Motlop to have his best season yet and Clark will provide great support for Hawkins. The trio will kick about 100 goals between them, which will see Geelong in a qualifying final, ahead of Fremantle on percentage.

5. Fremantle 16-6 - I have a good feeling that Fremantle will stay in premiership contention, I think McPharlin will retire at season's end and Pavlich has about two years left. I believe Fremantle can bounce back next year after exiting the finals in straight sets like Geelong, and can possibly make a preliminary final.

6. North Melbourne 13-9 - Hard to say that they are going to be a top 4 side, booking a home elimination final is the pass mark for North. Tarrant needs to have a good year, he only played one game in 2014, has never got his body right, and has been struck down with injury every season. Waite will give North a boost in the forward line, he will gain more form and become more consistent. I don't see them going very deep into September, but a top 6 finish is still a good result.

7. West Coast Eagles 12-10 - I reckon West Coast will make the 8 after dropping matches they should have won in 2014. Naitanui has a big year to come, Waters should return and make an impact to the Eagles' finals campaign, this time as the only Eagle left from their 2006 Premiership win.

8. Gold Coast Suns 12-10 - I have a feeling that the Suns will play the finals in 2015, but the Suns need to start winning games when Ablett isn't around, otherwise another finals failure.

9. Adelaide Crows 11-11 - There is some work to do for Adelaide. New coach, Dangerfield and Sloane on free agency, some uneasiness will come for them, inconsistency will still be a worry and they'll just miss out on the finals again for the third time straight, a first since 1994-1996.

10. Collingwood 10-12 - More of the same from Collingwood. Injuries won't be the next pathetic excuse from Bucks. If I were him, I'd watch my back, he's in trouble. The Magpies will wobble out of finals contention in 2015.

11. Brisbane Lions 9-13 - This is an interesting prediction for Brisbane, and some people may raise their eyebrows reading this. They are an underrated side heading into next season, they have Christensen, Robinson and young stars like Zorko, Rockliff, Hanley, Martin will shine in the maroon, blue and gold. May would say that the Lions will go into next season as cellar-dwellers, but I believe they will be better than that. If they should have a successful season as I expect, they will be a finals contender in 2016.

12. GWS Giants 9-13 - Bright future in sight, despite losing their #1 draft pick, Tom Boyd, they got Ryan Griffen and he will join the Giants on their rise up the ladder. They will have patches of good form but consistency will be area to improve on. They will have their best season to date, and I expect them to play finals by 2017.

13. Richmond 8-14 - Consecutive finals for the first time in 40 years, 9 consecutive wins and defeating Sydney in the last round, they were all flukes!! This season will be much harder, coach Hardwick could be at risk.

14. Essendon 8-14 - Following the ASADA issues, loss of Paddy Ryder and now, loss of Bomber, the plot has been lost!! No way Essendon can make it close to the 8. Cooney won't do much in his first season at the club and I fear that Chapman will retire.

15. Carlton 7-15 - A lot of work to do for Carlton, many questions to be answered in regards to where they are heading. In 2015, their season will never be on track.

16. Western Bulldogs 6-16 - Beveridge's first season as coach will be a slow season. Still a load of things for my doggies to get right, especially losing Griffen and Cooney, so much experience has been thrown out and it will be difficult to fill those holes. They'll take a step backwards and assess where their future stands.

17. Melbourne 5-17 - I don't see them doing any different, they'll stagnate again. I think they will fly up the ladder in about 4-5 years time.

18. St Kilda 5-17 - They'll be at the bottom again, unfortunately I think it will be like this for some time, like Melbourne. They will grab their 28th wooden spoon.

Coleman Medalist: Buddy Franklin again.......
Brownlow Medalist: Josh P Kennedy

Are you Luke Darcy. Your obvious dislike for Richmond is obvious. "Flukes" lol

 

[Tiger71]

My Ladder Prediction for 2015:

1. Port Adelaide 18-4 - What a turnaround in only 48 months from this team, from 14th place and no hope making finals within the next decade, to making the preliminary finals and being 5 points away from making a shock grand final appearance. I believe it is Port Adelaide's year!!

2. Sydney Swans 16-6 - I expect them to bounce back and make the grand final next year. They will redeem themselves after that flogging against Hawthorn.

3. Hawthorn 16-6 - They can possibly make history by winning a third consecutive premiership which Melbourne (1939-1941 & 1955-1957), Carlton (1906-1908) and Brisbane (2001-2003) achieved this. It was be a big ask for Hawthorn as some of the premiership players may retire in the near future, but they have some young talent so there should be nothing to fear for these Hawks.

4. Geelong Cats 16-6 - I believe they will defy the doubters and make another top 4 finish. Yes, they bowed out in straight sets in the finals, they are an elite team and will be hard to see them fall away in my eyes. Their young talent will shine, Motlop to have his best season yet and Clark will provide great support for Hawkins. The trio will kick about 100 goals between them, which will see Geelong in a qualifying final, ahead of Fremantle on percentage.

5. Fremantle 16-6 - I have a good feeling that Fremantle will stay in premiership contention, I think McPharlin will retire at season's end and Pavlich has about two years left. I believe Fremantle can bounce back next year after exiting the finals in straight sets like Geelong, and can possibly make a preliminary final.

6. North Melbourne 13-9 - Hard to say that they are going to be a top 4 side, booking a home elimination final is the pass mark for North. Tarrant needs to have a good year, he only played one game in 2014, has never got his body right, and has been struck down with injury every season. Waite will give North a boost in the forward line, he will gain more form and become more consistent. I don't see them going very deep into September, but a top 6 finish is still a good result.

7. West Coast Eagles 12-10 - I reckon West Coast will make the 8 after dropping matches they should have won in 2014. Naitanui has a big year to come, Waters should return and make an impact to the Eagles' finals campaign, this time as the only Eagle left from their 2006 Premiership win.

8. Gold Coast Suns 12-10 - I have a feeling that the Suns will play the finals in 2015, but the Suns need to start winning games when Ablett isn't around, otherwise another finals failure.

9. Adelaide Crows 11-11 - There is some work to do for Adelaide. New coach, Dangerfield and Sloane on free agency, some uneasiness will come for them, inconsistency will still be a worry and they'll just miss out on the finals again for the third time straight, a first since 1994-1996.

10. Collingwood 10-12 - More of the same from Collingwood. Injuries won't be the next pathetic excuse from Bucks. If I were him, I'd watch my back, he's in trouble. The Magpies will wobble out of finals contention in 2015.

11. Brisbane Lions 9-13 - This is an interesting prediction for Brisbane, and some people may raise their eyebrows reading this. They are an underrated side heading into next season, they have Christensen, Robinson and young stars like Zorko, Rockliff, Hanley, Martin will shine in the maroon, blue and gold. May would say that the Lions will go into next season as cellar-dwellers, but I believe they will be better than that. If they should have a successful season as I expect, they will be a finals contender in 2016.

12. GWS Giants 9-13 - Bright future in sight, despite losing their #1 draft pick, Tom Boyd, they got Ryan Griffen and he will join the Giants on their rise up the ladder. They will have patches of good form but consistency will be area to improve on. They will have their best season to date, and I expect them to play finals by 2017.

13. Richmond 8-14 - Consecutive finals for the first time in 40 years, 9 consecutive wins and defeating Sydney in the last round, they were all flukes!! This season will be much harder, coach Hardwick could be at risk.

14. Essendon 8-14 - Following the ASADA issues, loss of Paddy Ryder and now, loss of Bomber, the plot has been lost!! No way Essendon can make it close to the 8. Cooney won't do much in his first season at the club and I fear that Chapman will retire.

15. Carlton 7-15 - A lot of work to do for Carlton, many questions to be answered in regards to where they are heading. In 2015, their season will never be on track.

16. Western Bulldogs 6-16 - Beveridge's first season as coach will be a slow season. Still a load of things for my doggies to get right, especially losing Griffen and Cooney, so much experience has been thrown out and it will be difficult to fill those holes. They'll take a step backwards and assess where their future stands.

17. Melbourne 5-17 - I don't see them doing any different, they'll stagnate again. I think they will fly up the ladder in about 4-5 years time.

18. St Kilda 5-17 - They'll be at the bottom again, unfortunately I think it will be like this for some time, like Melbourne. They will grab their 28th wooden spoon.

Coleman Medalist: Buddy Franklin again.......
Brownlow Medalist: Josh P Kennedy

Ahh dog supporters are so special lol

 

[Tiger_man322]

You forgot Brisbane

Haha. I was wondering why I only had 17 teams. "I thought there were 18...."

Chuck them above Carlton

 

[Prestige Presti]

10. Collingwood 10-12 - More of the same from Collingwood. Injuries won't be the next pathetic excuse from Bucks. If I were him, I'd watch my back, he's in trouble. The Magpies will wobble out of finals contention in 2015.

You can blame the fans for making excuses but never Bucks, he had every reason to come out and make excuses but he didn't so that's a really harsh and incorrect thing to say, instead of making excuses he was praising our young blokes for their attitude.

Compare that to Damien Hardwick when they were almost last on the ladder...

“Oh, listen, you take three of our best six players out, we’re going to struggle,” he said. “With Deledio, Rance and Maric, you get those guys back in it makes us better, but the fact is I think they’ve played two games between them all year so it’s going to take some time."

That's an example of a pathetic excuse, Bucks at any chance in the last few rounds could have gone "Oh listen, you take 14 of our best 22 out, we're going to struggle, you get those guys back it makes us better" but he didn't, we would have killed to have had only 3 of our best 6 out.

Barring that, the rest of your predictions are alright.

 

[Tiger71]

You can blame the fans for making excuses but never Bucks, he had every reason to come out and make excuses but he didn't so that's a really harsh and incorrect thing to say, instead of making excuses he was praising our young blokes for their attitude.

Compare that to Damien Hardwick when they were almost last on the ladder...

“Oh, listen, you take three of our best six players out, we’re going to struggle,” he said. “With Deledio, Rance and Maric, you get those guys back in it makes us better, but the fact is I think they’ve played two games between them all year so it’s going to take some time."

That's an example of a pathetic excuse, Bucks at any chance in the last few rounds could have gone "Oh listen, you take 14 of our best 22 out, we're going to struggle, you get those guys back it makes us better" but he didn't, we would have killed to have had only 3 of our best 6 out.

Barring that, the rest of your predictions are alright.

Well Hardwick was underselling it as we had more of 6 out of starting 22 missing during that period. You also neglect to mention Hardwick was good enough to adjust our side and still make finals.

Unfortunately Buckly could not do that and you guys went into a free fall

 

[Prestige Presti]

Well Hardwick was underselling it as we had more of 6 out of starting 22 missing during that period. You also neglect to mention Hardwick was good enough to adjust our side and still make finals.

Unfortunately Buckly could not do that and you guys went into a free fall

He did adjust it, that is true, however many teams are easily adjustable when you have most of your best 22 week in week out for most of a second half of a season.

Did you guys pick up a major injury in the second half of the season?

Well here's our teams injury lists heading into round 23.


COLLINGWOOD
Marty Clarke (illness) test
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) test
Heritier Lumumba (corked thigh) test
Caolan Mooney (ankle) test
Alan Toovey (groin) 1 week
Dane Swan (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Travis Cloke (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Clinton Young (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Taylor Adams (finger) season
Dayne Beams (knee) season
Nathan Brown (shoulder) season
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) season
Ben Hudson (shoulder) season
Brent Macaffer (knee) season
Jonathon Marsh (hamstring) season
Adam Oxley (ankle) season
Ben Reid (hamstring) season
Matthew Scharenberg (knee) season

RICHMOND
Dustin Martin (hamstring) test
Matt Thomas (knee) test
Ben Darrou (hip) season
Brett O'Hanlon (hip) season

Dusty played, and almost single handedly got you over the line at the end (with Rance), it's pretty safe to say that your resurgence had a fair bit to do with lack of injuries, and Collingwoods' decline to do with the many they received, you can't seriously look at Collingwoods injury list here and go 'Bucks could have adjusted the Pies' No coach could have adjusted that.

 

[snooplions]

Well Hardwick was underselling it as we had more of 6 out of starting 22 missing during that period. You also neglect to mention Hardwick was good enough to adjust our side and still make finals.

Unfortunately Buckly could not do that and you guys went into a free fall

The injuries happened at different times so it's hard to compare, Richmond had injuries in the first half of the year and had time to regroup and change things up. Collingwood had their injuries occur with about 6 weeks or less to go in the season. Very different circumstances.

 

[Piss Poor]

here is my prediction

Hawks
Port
Sydney
Freo

are locks for top 8, to much class and the right age/experience

the rest of the ladder is up to the fortune teller

 

[Barry_Badrinath]

You can blame the fans for making excuses but never Bucks, he had every reason to come out and make excuses but he didn't so that's a really harsh and incorrect thing to say, instead of making excuses he was praising our young blokes for their attitude.

Compare that to Damien Hardwick when they were almost last on the ladder...

“Oh, listen, you take three of our best six players out, we’re going to struggle,” he said. “With Deledio, Rance and Maric, you get those guys back in it makes us better, but the fact is I think they’ve played two games between them all year so it’s going to take some time."

That's an example of a pathetic excuse, Bucks at any chance in the last few rounds could have gone "Oh listen, you take 14 of our best 22 out, we're going to struggle, you get those guys back it makes us better" but he didn't, we would have killed to have had only 3 of our best 6 out.

Barring that, the rest of your predictions are alright.

Dimma was right though.

 

[JHF1870]

came here for ladder predictions: got shit fest!

 

[Tiger71]

He did adjust it, that is true, however many teams are easily adjustable when you have most of your best 22 week in week out for most of a second half of a season.

Did you guys pick up a major injury in the second half of the season?

Well here's our teams injury lists heading into round 23.


COLLINGWOOD
Marty Clarke (illness) test
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) test
Heritier Lumumba (corked thigh) test
Caolan Mooney (ankle) test
Alan Toovey (groin) 1 week
Dane Swan (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Travis Cloke (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Clinton Young (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Taylor Adams (finger) season
Dayne Beams (knee) season
Nathan Brown (shoulder) season
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) season
Ben Hudson (shoulder) season
Brent Macaffer (knee) season
Jonathon Marsh (hamstring) season
Adam Oxley (ankle) season
Ben Reid (hamstring) season
Matthew Scharenberg (knee) season

RICHMOND
Dustin Martin (hamstring) test
Matt Thomas (knee) test
Ben Darrou (hip) season
Brett O'Hanlon (hip) season

Dusty played, and almost single handedly got you over the line at the end (with Rance), it's pretty safe to say that your resurgence had a fair bit to do with lack of injuries, and Collingwoods' decline to do with the many they received, you can't seriously look at Collingwoods injury list here and go 'Bucks could have adjusted the Pies' No coach could have adjusted that.

Quote the full injury list not just parts mate. We missed jake all year our best defensive small forward, Jackson our bnf winner and main run with player. Also Vickery was suspended, no chris Knights etc they all missed either all or parts of last nine weeks. Even Newman did hais calf

 

[Giant Pete]

He did adjust it, that is true, however many teams are easily adjustable when you have most of your best 22 week in week out for most of a second half of a season.

Did you guys pick up a major injury in the second half of the season?

Well here's our teams injury lists heading into round 23.


COLLINGWOOD
Marty Clarke (illness) test
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) test
Heritier Lumumba (corked thigh) test
Caolan Mooney (ankle) test
Alan Toovey (groin) 1 week
Dane Swan (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Travis Cloke (ankle) 3-4 weeks
Clinton Young (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Taylor Adams (finger) season
Dayne Beams (knee) season
Nathan Brown (shoulder) season
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) season
Ben Hudson (shoulder) season
Brent Macaffer (knee) season
Jonathon Marsh (hamstring) season
Adam Oxley (ankle) season
Ben Reid (hamstring) season
Matthew Scharenberg (knee) season

RICHMOND
Dustin Martin (hamstring) test
Matt Thomas (knee) test
Ben Darrou (hip) season
Brett O'Hanlon (hip) season

Dusty played, and almost single handedly got you over the line at the end (with Rance), it's pretty safe to say that your resurgence had a fair bit to do with lack of injuries, and Collingwoods' decline to do with the many they received, you can't seriously look at Collingwoods injury list here and go 'Bucks could have adjusted the Pies' No coach could have adjusted that.

Lots of clubs had big injury lists... Get over it.

 

[Tiger71]

Lots of clubs had big injury lists... Get over it.

that is the simple truth

/end thread

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Bullshit.

It's like the 2014 season never existed.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Mate you are talking out your arse you really are.

No one likes to listen to a Blues support talk us up like were going to win the flag - its moronic - but equally moronic is just throwing your hands up and talking absolute SPUD. First class Idaho. Fried chips champ. Show some balance.

Lets get a few things straight.


For ten years now Carlton have pumped the ball inside 50 6/7 times in a row

You obviously didn't watch any football last year. No seriously - that was once true. We lost three games last year in devastating fashion - true - yet we went down to the best in the AFL 8 times by under a kick with an absolutely SHOCKING injury list and managed to beat some of the top teams.

So what the hell are you TALKING about ?

Hendo is not just OK - he was injured, and when he played he went ballistic kicked 6 goals in a single match. Are you on crack ?

Levi has kicking issues - no one has doubted that. No one. However he is probably amongst the best pack marks (top 5) in the AFL right now. Fix his kicking, which is happening if you bothered watching football, and you have an absolute weapon. Kicked 5 in one game.

Also not sure if watched any football (seems like you haven't) but Kreuzer didn't even play last year - does that escape you. WTF ? Have you seen him ? Have bothered to even go and have a look at the guy ? I was watching him in Coburg with the kids recently - mate you need to get your act together because you have no idea. He is a TOTALLY different body, totally different physique - and when he is fit he is one of the most influential players going around. Just absurd denigrating Kruzer. Like quite simply incredibly silly. People who place Kruzer as EITHER a ruck or a FORWARD fail to understand his ACTUAL role which is an on baller with one of the biggest tanks in the team who just runs all day, through anything, can clunk a great mark. Why was he playing so poorly ?

HE WAS PLAYING INJURED ! As was WALKER as was half the team - hence why 13 blokes went in for surgery.

Waite was not a big loss - I really hate to break this to you but you can not, you simply can NOT have a player in a team who holds such an intrinsic and important role who has played the least amount of football of any AFL player over the course of their AFL career. Yes - Waite.

His injuries and suspensions have placed him as the most irregular AFL player in his era. How happy are you going to be next season when Waite is injured for 3 months, comes back and gets suspended meanwhile Jones is kicking 3 goals a game ? Stupidity mate.

Our age profile ? Waite Scotland Mclean Duigan - plus 23 new players - I'm seriously not sure if you are taking the piss or you are talking about Everton and have your sports entirely confused.

Your blues supporting mate is mostly right. Half my family are Carlton supporters and Xmas lunch is dominated by the same conversation, the poor state of the list.

I have Carlton bottom 6 and the reality is there is a lot of chaff on the blues list at present. List needs to be turned over big time.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

It's like the 2014 season never existed.

Don't worry 2013-14 have been wiped from memory... For completely different reasons

 

[Prestige Presti]

Quote the full injury list not just parts mate. We missed jake all year our best defensive small forward, Jackson our bnf winner and main run with player. Also Vickery was suspended, no chris Knights etc they all missed either all or parts of last nine weeks. Even Newman did hais calf

That was The Ages full AFL injury list heading into round 23, i didn't edit anything out, yours fails to mention King as Collingwoods fails to mention Maxwell, one could also argue you are better without Vickery in your squad, sorry the list was incorrect.

The point intended was Collingwoods list simply had too many key structural players missing at the end of the year leaving next to no room for 'adjusting', and as a result, Buckley will be under some unwarranted heat at the start of next season.
He has essentially attempted to guide a team through i minor rebuild whilst navigating one of the largest injury lists for the last 5-10 years and was almost successful in taking us to a finals series against considerably fitter and healthier teams.

Teams that have wielded similar injury lists met a similar fate (Hawthorn 2009, Essendon 2012) If Hawthorn could miss a finals series after winning a premiership due to injuries, it's quite unfair to criticize a coach for just missing a finals series with a similarly injured team currently half way through a rebuild, If however Collingwood falters in 2015 with a full list, then pressure rightfully should be mounting on Bucks, but until then blaming Bucks for Collingwood's downfall is unfair on him as without those injuries Collingwood could have very well made the finals for a league leading 9th time in a row.

I doubt i've changed your mind, but just thought it deserved a bit of context, i wish your team all the best for next year.

 

[Tiger71]

That was The Ages full AFL injury list heading into round 23, i didn't edit anything out, yours fails to mention King as Collingwoods fails to mention Maxwell, one could also argue you are better without Vickery in your squad, sorry the list was incorrect.

The point intended was Collingwoods list simply had too many key structural players missing at the end of the year leaving next to no room for 'adjusting', and as a result, Buckley will be under some unwarranted heat at the start of next season.
He has essentially attempted to guide a team through i minor rebuild whilst navigating one of the largest injury lists for the last 5-10 years and was almost successful in taking us to a finals series against considerably fitter and healthier teams.

Teams that have wielded similar injury lists met a similar fate (Hawthorn 2009, Essendon 2012) If Hawthorn could miss a finals series after winning a premiership due to injuries, it's quite unfair to criticize a coach for just missing a finals series with a similarly injured team currently half way through a rebuild, If however Collingwood falters in 2015 with a full list, then pressure rightfully should be mounting on Bucks, but until then blaming Bucks for Collingwood's downfall is unfair on him as without those injuries Collingwood could have very well made the finals for a league leading 9th time in a row.

I doubt i've changed your mind, but just thought it deserved a bit of context, i wish your team all the best for next year.

All good brother. I just believe Hardwick was the wrong example to use as by round 11 we were struggling to field a starting 22

 

[Smoocher]

Predictions mark 2. Some comments in controversial predictions.

1. Sydney
2. Port
3. Hawks
4. North
5. Freo
6. Adelaide
7. GCS
8. Brisbane (Midfield depth will get them into top 8)

9. Geelong (Loss of 2 fast mids will hurt)
10. Carlton
11. Richmond (Best 22 is good but as we saw this year some real depth issues)
12. Collingwood
13. GWS
14. West Coast
15. Essendon (After 3 years of being in the news it will catch up with these players)
16. Melbourne
17. Saints
18. Bulldogs (Lost 3 experienced good mids Griff, Cooney, Higgins. Backline woes from previous years not addressed.)

 

[Reservoir tiger]

1. Hawthorn
2. Port adelaide
3. Sydney
4. Fremantle
5. North melbourne
6. Richmond
7. Adelaide
8. Geelong

9. Gold Coast
10. West coast
11. Brisbane
12. Collingwood
13. Essendon
14. Western Bulldogs
15. GWS
16. Melbourne
17. Carlton
18. St.kilda