Contenders and Pretenders 2019 ( edited - Page 32 current discussion ) Are Richmond now the team to beat?

[JayJ20]

Geelong have come up against teams at the right time I feel and are a bit lucky to be where they are, maybe they can capitalise on early luck and have a good run but I still see them in a clump of teams who are 3rd to 8th (below pies and eagles)


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I disagree. A full strength Richmond is the only side that has Geelong covered IMO. Other than that, I think Geelong are clearly the best so far this year. They should account for West Coast quite comfortably this week.

Stewart and Blicavs are one of the best defensive duos in the league. Danger, Ablett, Selwood, Duncan and Kelly is up there as one of the best midfield groups in the league (Ablett playing forward more often though). What I like about Geelong's side is how evenly balanced it is across the board.

The only thing that might worry Geelong at the MCG is pace and small forward. That's why I think Geelong traditionally struggle against the likes of Richmond and Essendon. Still, they are my premiership favourites.

 

[Gavin Excell]

I disagree. A full strength Richmond is the only side that has Geelong covered IMO. Other than that, I think Geelong are clearly the best so far this year. They should account for West Coast quite comfortably this week.

Stewart and Blicavs are one of the best defensive duos in the league. Danger, Ablett, Selwood, Duncan and Kelly is up there as one of the best midfield groups in the league (Ablett playing forward more often though). What I like about Geelong's side is how evenly balanced it is across the board.

The only thing that might worry Geelong at the MCG is pace and small forward. That's why I think Geelong traditionally struggle against the likes of Richmond and Essendon. Still, they are my premiership favourites.

We lack a good ruckman

Despite the 4 wins from 5 we generally have been beaten at midfield clearances

That’s the Achilles heel

 

[JackOutback]

You do realize that we're top of the ladder after having the toughest draw to start the year, yeah? Most people wrote us off before the season even started, and said at best we might win 2-3 of those 7. Only loss thus far, was by 4 points against a very good GWS side, who were fuelled by the loss of their captain.

We've played: Collingwood, Melbourne, Adelaide, GWS, Hawthorn and we're facing West Coast and then you guys the following week. We have the highest percentage as well, so our attack and our defence are holding up. Whilst I do agree that we've still got a lot of deficiencies and that we're not the 'favourites', I wouldn't call our side an 'average side.' Last year, yes. This year, we're pressuring and there's a real different vibe at the club.

It's amazing how cocky you're being after your first three rounds, which were absolutely woeful. Yet, you have the temerity to call us an 'average side.'

Everyone is claiming ‘toughest draw’ status at this time of the year. Melbourne and Adelaide aren’t tough and Hawthorn are mid range. That said, Geelong look good right now. I don’t see where the improvement will come from to lift from eighth last year, they can’t rely on the kids and their stars are ageing but who knows.

 

[NonPhixion]

I disagree. A full strength Richmond is the only side that has Geelong covered IMO. Other than that, I think Geelong are clearly the best so far this year. They should account for West Coast quite comfortably this week.

Stewart and Blicavs are one of the best defensive duos in the league. Danger, Ablett, Selwood, Duncan and Kelly is up there as one of the best midfield groups in the league (Ablett playing forward more often though). What I like about Geelong's side is how evenly balanced it is across the board.

The only thing that might worry Geelong at the MCG is pace and small forward. That's why I think Geelong traditionally struggle against the likes of Richmond and Essendon. Still, they are my premiership favourites.

I think you are under-rating WC pretty hard. Geelong’s current form warrants the label of a top 4 team, but WC are still the benchmark, couple terrible games to start the year but there best footy is too good for any team imo

 

[Rockford]

That said, Geelong look good right now. I don’t see where the improvement will come from to lift from eighth last year, they can’t rely on the kids and their stars are ageing but who knows.

Watching the team, I can see where the improvement has come from. Rohan and Dahlhaus were traded in to address the lack of forward line pressure. Dahlhaus has been one of our best players in 3 of the 5 games this season and is sitting 11th in tackles and tackles inside 50. Rohan's addition has been great, his pressure and closing speed cause turnovers. He's our leading goal scorer at the moment with 11, one ahead of Hawkins on 10.

Atkins was drafted to address that same lack of pressure in our F50. He's sitting 4th across the league on tackles inside 50.

Clark, Constable and Miers are our 1st and 2nd year players that have now played 14 games between them this season (with Constable rested yesterday against the Hawks). None of them have set a foot wrong since their debuts. So, that's more than a quarter of our best 22 being different from that 8th place finish last season, all performing admirably.

Then there's Parfitt (39 games), Henry (26 games) and Ratugolea (12 games) who are all 20. Having watched the games, all 3 have improved since last season and there's no reason to think with their experience that they won't continue to improve.

 

[JayJ20]

I think you are under-rating WC pretty hard. Geelong’s current form warrants the label of a top 4 team, but WC are still the benchmark, couple terrible games to start the year but there best footy is too good for any team imo

I’m not saying West Coast can’t beat them. I’m saying that Richmond is the only team Geelong will struggle with due to the make up of their list.

 

[NonPhixion]

I’m not saying West Coast can’t beat them. I’m saying that Richmond is the only team Geelong will struggle with due to the make up of their list.

Yeh fair call. Certain match-ups are definitely more favourable for teams than others. E.g pies match-up really well with tigers but struggle with WC, and Geelong aswell to an extent due to their defensive structures.
To me the top 5 teams are clear:
WC
Pies
Cats
GWS
Tigers

Essendon are my Smokey and if they beat us this week I will have them in that bracket of teams.

Then the teams im not yet sold on but could be finals contenders:
Saints
Port
Freo
Lions
Hawks
Crows (didn’t really want to add them here)

All the other teams are well off the pace IMO.

 

[4THAWN]

Based off these notable performances
-GWS beating Geelong in geelong
-West Coast beating Collingwood and GWS
-Geelong beating collingwood
-Richmond beating Port Adelaide undermanned

Top 5 sides seem to be
collingwood
west coast(will improve with players returning)
geelong(haven't proven themselves against good opposition, discounting round 1)
richmond(will improve with players returning)
gws(inconsistent but very good side at best)


followed by middle pack of good sides when they play well
st kilda (need to prove themselves against a good side)
fremantle
western bulldogs (massive difference between best and worst)
essendon (cannot afford to be smashed by collingwood)
hawthorn(reluctant to even place them here, undermanned midfield)
gold coast(look an actually good side when playing confidently)
port adelaide(wild card team, with paddy ryder playing forward can be dangerous)

 

[JayJ20]

Yeh fair call. Certain match-ups are definitely more favourable for teams than others. E.g pies match-up really well with tigers but struggle with WC, and Geelong aswell to an extent due to their defensive structures.
To me the top 5 teams are clear:
WC
Pies
Cats
GWS
Tigers

Essendon are my Smokey and if they beat us this week I will have them in that bracket of teams.

Then the teams im not yet sold on but could be finals contenders:
Saints
Port
Freo
Lions
Hawks
Crows (didn’t really want to add them here)

All the other teams are well off the pace IMO.

Agree with your list. WCE, Collingwood, Richmond, Geelong and GWS the current contenders.

 

[evo]

Going to have to put my hand up and admit i got Melourne way wrong. I legitemately expected them to be a top 2 side this season.

Truth of the matter is that they are absolutely miles off. I realise they have a couple of injuries but geeze,their backline leaks like a sieve and their forward line wouldn't strike fear in even a Carlton or North at them moment.

Can still probably salvage something from the season, but they'd want to pull their finger out pretty soon.

 

[Vintage]

I feel like Essendon are a contender - we’ll have a much better idea in a few hours.

(Maybe it’s just that I tipped Collingwood and my tipping has not been great this year... expecting Essendon to stamp their credentials)

 

[north_lad]

Going to have to put my hand up and admit i got Melourne way wrong. I legitemately expected them to be a top 2 side this season.

Truth of the matter is that they are absolutely miles off. I realise they have a couple of injuries but geeze,their backline leaks like a sieve and their forward line wouldn't strike fear in even a Carlton or North at them moment.

Can still probably salvage something from the season, but they'd want to pull their finger out pretty soon.

Mate we’d shit our pants at the sight of an under-12s side with a functioning forward set up

 

[VolgaBoatman]

Geelong look the goods so far, as mentioned they've now got the pressure forwards to help with one of their weaknesses from last year. Collingwood, West Coast, Richmond and GWS should be there or there abouts. Not convinced by anyone else at this stage, though great to see the Saints, and Freo go well - could be a fun match if Freo play St Kilda in a final in Melbourne - the Ross Lyon cup. TBH it would make for an interesting final series if the current top 8 remains - though would love to see Brisbane get up there as well.

 

[Zoom]

Collingwood are the team to beat. I’m not sold on Geelong and I think the Pies will figure out West Coast eventually. They also seem to match up on us and GWS well.

 

[SterlingArcher]

You do realize that we're top of the ladder after having the toughest draw to start the year, yeah? Most people wrote us off before the season even started, and said at best we might win 2-3 of those 7. Only loss thus far, was by 4 points against a very good GWS side, who were fuelled by the loss of their captain.

We've played: Collingwood, Melbourne, Adelaide, GWS, Hawthorn and we're facing West Coast and then you guys the following week. We have the highest percentage as well, so our attack and our defence are holding up. Whilst I do agree that we've still got a lot of deficiencies and that we're not the 'favourites', I wouldn't call our side an 'average side.' Last year, yes. This year, we're pressuring and there's a real different vibe at the club.

It's amazing how cocky you're being after your first three rounds, which were absolutely woeful. Yet, you have the temerity to call us an 'average side.'

That's an extraordinary hot take to turn “opposition loses captain and best inside mid in first minutes of the game, being a rotation down” into somehow making the game tougher for your side.

 

[SterlingArcher]

West Coast- reigning premiers doing enough with additions to come back. Not a wet weather team.

Collingwood - stacked midfield, improved key defenders, hard to match up forward line. Cogs are churning

Richmond- key losses covered, have only lost to Collingwood at the MCG since round 13 2017 - love it or loathe it, the MCG is where the big one is played.

Geelong - best team of 2019 so far. Long way to go yet but much like with the Pies key defensive posts, a big improvement in a noticeable 2018 weakness (pressure and small forwards) has been rectified

GWS - the Ferraris are always a chance, just need to time their run for once. Need to earn a top 2 spot to avoid Richmond and Collingwood at the MCG where possible in my opinion.

 

[Macpotata]

Had the Bombers as emerging dangerous dark horses. After today they could very well win it. What if they knocked off the Pies?


Dangerous Dons

 

[SterlingArcher]

Had the Bombers as emerging dangerous dark horses. After today they could very well win it. What if they knocked off the Pies?


Dangerous Dons

A big plus for them is they didn't just fall away after their first quarter. Their first quarters often seem to dictate whether they're `on` or not.

Started poorly but they were able to get back in the game. Encouraging signs considering it seems the mental side of things has often hindered them in the past.

 

[YouBeauty]

I think Essendon are a decent side that can beat anyone.
Essendon have been beating good teams for years though, their biggest issue is consistency against all teams, anywhere and anytime.

 

[Dr Awkward]

Amazing how much disrespect West Coast get. They were the best side last year and still have the best list. Very strong all over the park, and have all bases covered - gun tall forwards, small forwards with pace and pressure, deep midfield, intercept defenders. Unless they drop off mentally or get injuries they are the team to beat imo.

Collingwood match up well against us and look great but I don't like how when teams really ramp up the intensity against them they can get on top, like Geelong and Essendon have this year.

 

[Macpotata]

1. Geelong

The undisputed Premiership fancy and flag favourite at this point in time. Beaten both last years Grand Finalists and gave the reigning Premier a good old fashioned touch up yesterday with 3 days less break. Sit a game clear on top of the ladder and the only loss was to a strong GWS side being led brilliantly by a player who raises his game by the week in Stephen Coniglio. Big clash at the G this week against a very dangerous Essendon outfit who were hard done by in defeat to the Magpies on ANZAC Day. Had the Bombers prevailed they might be sitting in second spot as the challenger to Geelong, and after this weekend still could be. A team that has troubled the Cats in the past and on the back of that burning defeat last Thursday, might be a thorn in the Cats paw once more.

2. Collingwood

Have to get the nod because they're proven so far after finishing 2nd in last years heartbreaking defeat to the West Coast Eagles. Trounced Richmond and wins against the Doggies, Lions and Essendon. I'm only giving them the spot as the No 2 contender on the back of what they achieved last season and where I feel they'll finish this season. They have the midfield and some good depth to go along with it. Haven't been convincing thus far and were well beaten in the Grand Final rematch against the West Coast Eagles. Knocked off by the Cats in round 1 but that was a narrow defeat that could have gone either way.


Really after this it's a log jam. Do we go off recent history, where we sit right now, the season so far or all of the above? The West Coast Eagles have been utterly abysmal in half their matches, and in the others have beaten some of the seasons best ( and last ) They destroyed GWS, beat the Magpies at the G under lights a week later in front of a big crowd, then beat Freo a week after that who went away and beat the Giants 7 days later. The Giants were just coming off their first ever win at the Cattery, Geelong's only loss of the season. The trouble with the Eagles is they've been smashed in the other half of their games, including two on the trot to good sides in 2019. What they've dished up the last 3 weeks ( kind of lucky against Freo, who were lucky against the Dogs ) West Coast won't make the 8. They're inept offensively, have no cohesion and at the moment, devoid of any real game plan ( as well as belief ) If they serve up what they did to GWS and against the Pies, they'll win the flag. Jekyll and Hyde where we sit and they need to sort it out. Fast.

Richmond

Look to be big on track after suffering successive losses to powerhouses and copping a rough whack with injuries. They've answered the challenge in a major way with a backs-against-the-wall win at Port, swept aside the Swans and beat a deplorable Melbourne side who look like a cellar dwellar outfit at the present. Like many teams it's hard to gauge at the moment as 6 rounds in many are in a log jam with each other and many haven't been convincing. The last two Tiger wins have been against teams who are 1-5, but they got the W nonetheless. They also achieved the wins missing some quality players. Have to give them the number 3 spot for mine as they were the bench mark in 2017+2018.


GWS

Similar to the Tigers the Giants have been around the mark the last few seasons and have had 2 massive scalps along the way. Wins over Premiership favourites Geelong at Geelong and humiliating Richmond in round 3. Didn't have much luck against West Australian opposition in the Eagles ( thrashed ) and lost on their home deck to Fremantle. Stephen Coniglio is unstoppable at the present and right in Brownlow contention. Jeremey Cameron sits top of the Coleman Medal and is a constant menace up forward. Could easily put them ahead of the Tigers and they probably deserve to be. But the MCG factor until proven otherwise is a hurdle that the Giants will have to do just that. Prove themselves.



Essendon

Where would they be on this list if they trumped the Magpies on ANZAC Day? It would have been 4 straight victories and one against a juggernaught at the G and perhaps should have been not for a host of questionable umpire calls ( or non calls ) With their roll-on fast footy and magic momentum this would be one hard freight train to obtain at their best. They still could be a huge contender in season 2019 if they aren't already. 4-2 looks a lot better than 3-3, and we swap their positions around with the Magpies. Probably should. But we don't. And the Maggies are still where they are for what they achieved last season and the talent list at their disposal. I have the Bombers 5th in line where proceedings lie but this is the one to watch out for imo. Their fast transition game is hard to stop and if they're fit and firing on all cylinders come September could produce a Bulldogs or Richmond type herculean effort. Could roll the Catters at the G this Sunday. Look out if they do.


The Dangerous, Dangerous Dark Horse - Fremantle

Starting to really emerge in Season 2019 as a dangerous proposition for any side to combat. Currently sitting 2nd on the ladder and impressively dispatched of the GWS GIants in Canberra. Narrowly lost to the Eagles kicking themselves out of the game and are coming off a hard fought win vs the Western Bulldogs. We'll find out more about them in the next few weeks and you could forgive them for losing to the Crows in Adelaide on Sunday which shapes as a really big clash now the Crows are in form. Not a happy hunting ground for Freo faring in South Australia although they did scalp them in 2015 when Fye was flying ( as he is now ) and earned the 4 points in 2013 also. Freo's forward line is producing among many and dynamic Brownlow medallist Nat is producing once more. Like the Bombers a few question marks still hover but you can't knock them at present and they look a prolific produce. I'll lock them in 6th line in Contention at this stage but like Essendon could be a side to watch closely for. Tehy could also replicate what they've done for their whole existence and that's fall off a cliff or fall just short at the final hurdle. As I said, a few question marks that need answering.


Lucky No 7 - Port Adelaide


Seen some brilliant football by the Power this year and at times, not so good. Fell away in losses to the Lions and Tigers, should have won at least one, if not both. Smashed West Coast off the park on their home deck, but a few sides have also did the same. Weren't convincing against North but like many got the win and the 4 points are all that matter. Did take their foot off the gas near the end, a true test awaits this Friday Night at Frantic Marvel stadium underlights against the '' other '' Black and White Magpies.


The Unconvincing - Hawthorn


6 goals down against the Blues but displayed good spirit to fight back and take the W. Threw away games to the Saints and Doggies. 3-3 like a few other sides and still a strong, decent group. But for the moment that's all they are and their inability to lock in for 4 quarters remains a weakness. Still have a good list of players and a masterclass tactician at the helm. I'll put them in 8th spot for the time being but don't look a contender for the major Prize at this stage.


Inconclusive - The West Coast Eagles


Mentioned after Geelong and Collingwood. I can't give a final analysis at the moment for the reasons mentioned. They trounced the Pies a month ago and beat Freo a week later who beat the Giants. Obliterated the last two weeks. Won the flag last year. Won't learn a great deal in the next few weeks should they win, lose one or two and they won't even be in the discussion for finals ( at that point in time, emphasis on point in time )

Their next month of football consists of

Gold Coast home
Saints away
Demons home
Crows away
Bulldogs Home
Swans away


I'll have to hold off on judgement for them until at least a month. Should they win the next 3, not a great deal would have been learnt either way. The Crows and Swans games away from Optus have been venues that have caused the Eagles heartache over their history. Better luck against the Crows with wins there in 2014, 2016 but copped a shellacking in 2015 and threw away a 4 goal lead last year. Haven't beaten the Swans in Sydney since 2007, and not at the SCG since 1999. Their schedule gets really gruelling once more in Round 14 playing the Bombers who beat them last year, Hawthorn at the G, Freo then Collingwood. Sydney are struggling and Adelaide might be on the way up, the biggest test it seems for now. They're a side who have a sniff about getting hot and face a side who is hot in Freo this weekend. We'll know more in the short term on both sides this Sunday, although if the Dockers were to lose it doesn't harm them ( unless it's a heavy one, still only round 7 but ) A win and it's a big statement for them, AO is still a tough venue as the Eagles found out last year. It could be getting a fortress again for Adelaide that is revitalised, for now at least.

 

[citizen-erased]

1. Geelong

The undisputed Premiership fancy and flag favourite at this point in time. Beaten both last years Grand Finalists and gave the reigning Premier a good old fashioned touch up yesterday with 3 days less break. Sit a game clear on top of the ladder and the only loss was to a strong GWS side being led brilliantly by a player who raises his game by the week in Stephen Coniglio. Big clash at the G this week against a very dangerous Essendon side who were hard done by in defeat to the Magpies on ANZAC Day. Had the Bombers prevailed they might be sitting in second spot as the challenger to Geelong, and after this weekend still could be. A team that has troubled the Cats in the past and on the back of that burning defeat last Thursday, might be a thorn in the Cats paw once more.

2. Collingwood

Have to get the nod because they're proven so far after finishing 2nd in last years heartbreaking defeat to the West Coast Eagles. Trounced Richmond and wins against the Doggies, Lions and Essendon. I'm only giving them the spot as the No 2 contender on the back of what they achieved last season and where I feel they'll finish this season. They have the midfield and some good depth to go along with it. Haven't been convincing thus far and were well beaten in the Grand Final rematch against the West Coast Eagles. Knocked off by the Cats in round 1 but that was a narrow defeat that could have gone either way.


Really after this it's a log jam. Do we go off recent history, where we sit right now, the season so far or all of the above? The West Coast Eagles have been utterly abysmal in half their matches, and in the others have beaten some of the seasons best ( and last ) They destroyed GWS, beat the Magpies at the G under lights a week later in front of a big crowd, then beat Freo a week after that who went away and beat the Giants 7 days later. The Giants were just coming off their first ever win at the Cattery, Geelong's only loss of the season. The trouble with the Eagles is they've been smashed in the other half of their games, including two on the trot to good sides in 2019. What they've dished up the last 3 weeks ( kind of lucky against Freo, who were lucky against the Dogs ) West Coast won't make the 8. They're inept offensively, have no cohesion and at the moment, devoid of any real game plan ( as well as belief ) If they serve up what they did to GWS and against the Pies, they'll win the flag. Jekyll and Hyde where we sit and they need to sort it out. Fast.

Richmond

Look to be big on track after suffering successive losses to powerhouses and copping a rough whack with injuries. They've answered the challenge in a major way with a backs-against-the-wall win at Port, swept aside the Swans and beat a deplorable Melbourne side who look like a cellar dwellar outfit at the present. Like many teams it's hard to gauge at the moment as 6 rounds in many are in a log jam with each other and many haven't been convincing. The last two Tiger wins have been against teams who are 1-5, but they got the W nonetheless. They also achieved the wins missing some quality players. Have to give them the number 3 spot for mine as they were the bench mark in 2017+2018.


GWS

Similar to the Tigers the Giants have been around the mark the last few seasons and have had 2 massive scalps along the way. Wins over Premiership favourites Geelong at Geelong and humiliating Richmond in round 3. Didn't have much luck against West Australian opposition in the Eagles ( thrashed ) and lost on their home deck to Fremantle. Stephen Coniglio is unstoppable at the present and right in Brownlow contention. Jeremey Cameron sits top of the Coleman Medal and is a constant menace up forward. Could easily put them ahead of the Tigers and they probably deserve to be. But the MCG factor until proven otherwise is a hurdle that the Giants will have to do just that. Prove themselves.



Essendon

Where would they be on this list if they trumped the Magpies on ANZAC Day? It would have been 4 straight victories and one against a juggernaught at the G and perhaps should have been not for a host of questionable umpire calls ( or non calls ) With their roll-on fast footy and magic momentum this would be one hard freight train to obtain at their best. They still could be a huge contender in season 2019 if they aren't already. 4-2 looks a lot better than 3-3, and we swap their positions around with the Magpies. Probably should. But we don't. And the Maggies are still where they are for what they achieved last season and the talent list at their disposal. I have the Bombers 5th in line where proceedings lie but this is the one to watch out for imo. Their fast transition game is hard to stop and if they're fit and firing on all cylinders come September could produce a Bulldogs or Richmond type herculean effort. Could roll the Catters at the G this Sunday. Look out if they do.


The Dangerous, Dangerous Dark Horse - Fremantle

Starting to really emerge in Season 2019 as a dangerous proposition for any side to combat. Currently sitting 2nd on the ladder and impressively dispatched of the GWS GIants in Canberra. Narrowly lost to the Eagles kicking themselves out of the game and are coming off a hard fought win vs the Western Bulldogs. We'll find out more about them in the next few weeks and you could forgive them for losing to the Crows in Adelaide on Sunday which shapes as a really big clash now the Crows are in form. Not a happy hunting ground for Freo faring in South Australia although they did scalp them in 2015 when Fye was flying ( as he is now ) and earned the 4 points in 2013 also. Freo's forward line is producing among many and dynamic Brownlow medallist Nat is producing once more. Like the Bombers a few question marks still hover but you can't knock them at present and they look a prolific produce. I'll lock them in 6th line in Contention at this stage but like Essendon could be a side to watch closely for. Tehy could also replicate what they've done for their whole existence and that's fall off a cliff or fall just short at the final hurdle. As I said, a few question marks that need answering.


Lucky No 7 - Port Adelaide


Seen some brilliant football by the Power this year and at times, not so good. Fell away in losses to the Lions and Tigers, should have won at least one, if not both. Smashed West Coast off the park on their home deck, but a few sides have also did the same. Weren't convincing against North but like many got the win and the 4 points are all that matter. Did take their foot off the gas near the end, a true test awaits this Friday Night at Frantic Marvel stadium underlights against the '' other '' Black and White Magpies.


The Unconvincing - Hawthorn


6 goals down against the Blues but displayed good spirit to fight back and take the W. Threw away games to the Saints and Doggies. 3-3 like a few other sides and still a strong, decent group. But for the moment that's all they are and their inability to lock in for 4 quarters remains a weakness. Still have a good list of players and a masterclass tactician at the helm. I'll put them in 8th spot for the time being but don't look a contender for the major Prize at this stage.


Inconclusive - The West Coast Eagles


Mentioned after Geelong and Collingwood. I can't give a final analysis at the moment for the reasons mentioned. They trounced the Pies a month ago and beat Freo a week later who beat the Giants. Obliterated the last two weeks. Won the flag last year. Won't learn a great deal in the next few weeks should they win, lose one or two and they won't even be in the discussion for finals ( at that point in time, emphasis on point in time )

Their next month of football consists of

Gold Coast home
Saints away
Demons home
Crows away
Bulldogs Home
Swans away


I'll have to hold off on judgement for them until at least a month. Should they win the next 3, not a great deal would have been learnt either way. The Crows and Swans games away from Optus have been venues that have caused the Eagles heartache over their history. Better luck against the Crows with wins there in 2014, 2016 but copped a shellacking in 2015 and threw away a 4 goal lead last year. Haven't beaten the Swans in Sydney since 2007, and not at the SCG since 1999. Their schedule gets really gruelling once more in Round 14 playing the Bombers who beat them last year, Hawthorn at the G, Freo then Collingwood. Sydney are struggling and Adelaide might be on the way up, the biggest test it seems for now. They're a side who have a sniff about getting hot and face a side who is hot in Freo this weekend. We'll know more in the short term on both sides this Sunday, although if the Dockers were to lose it doesn't harm them ( unless it's a heavy one, still only round 7 but ) A win and it's a big statement for them, AO is still a tough venue as the Eagles found out last year. It could be getting a fortress again for Adelaide that is revitalised, for now at least.

Nice summary

very little to disagree with in there.

I am hating that there is an inkling of hope inside me that we'll play finals this year.
We are exactly where i predicted us to be (3-3). However, i had not predicted Geelong being this good. So this next game is tougher than i expected.
Swans and Tigers are softer than i originally anticipated. Though both danger games.
I'd like to see us not lose more than 1 between now and the break before i think we are any chance of a good finals spot. Top 4 will be a stretch, but a top 5 finish and a first final on a home deck would be nice

 

[Macpotata]

Not Sold on - The Saints, Lions

 

[Macpotata]

Saints are looking more like the team we believed they would be. If the Eagles can't beat them next week..........

 

[Isaac Cumming No 1]

Saints are looking more like the team we believed they would be. If the Eagles can't beat them next week..........

Give them time to sort themselves out. They had a lot of c lhanges andnew structuresthus week, and were good around the contest. We got smashed by the Cats in a similar sutuati8n last year. It takes time.
Jury's out on finals for them in my view. The fundamentals are ok and the transition issues are coachable. Maybe not a flag contender though.