Robert Walls - and his top 8 predictions

[mysainters]

Sandilands is a strong chance to play round 1, how long did you think he was out for?

I have my doubts about his body holding up.

Similar as I have to Schneider from the Saints.

The end can come quick when you haven't enjoyed uninterrupted preseasons.

 

[estibador]

I think it is, especially when Sandilands (IMO) is so important to your season.

Having you in the eight is not a bold prediction, top 2 is very generous.

Not wishing you bad luck, just think Walls under rates what Ross had at his disposal at the Saints, and over rates his ability when it's often a simple case of capable stars playing well.

Sandi should be back by R3 at the very latest, most likely earlier. He's already running at training, whether he can stay fit after that is another matter.

I can't remember how Walls used to rate the Saints when Lyon was there so I can't comment on that, except to say Freo have their fair share of good players as well.

 

[Arwib]

I don't buy Port Adelaide as a spoon contender.

 

[Prudster]

4?
Whitecross and Suckling only...

Whitecross back by mid season


As for young, his run was valuable, his underbelly showed in the grand final though

Osborne is also coming back from a knee, and Woodward did his knee in the preseason. Whether those 2 are best 22 is a different story.

I think a fit Hodge will make up for some of those losses. He had virtually no impact last year, and if we wait until he is fit before playing him, he could get back into some good form. Hill is looking like an improvement on Young already. Young was pretty inconsistent, and can't hit a target to save his life. We also have Lake coming in, which frees up Stratton or Gibson to play more attacking roles. I think our depth is the strongest it has ever been.

 

[mysainters]

I can't remember how Walls used to rate the Saints when Lyon was there so I can't comment on that, except to say Freo have their fair share of good players as well.

Oh he rated them, except Zac

 

[DerpWerls]

When I went to click on this link I thought Walls would just take out North Melbourne, put Carlton at 5th and mix the order up a bit. Pretty close!

 

[The Speaker]

I think it is, especially when Sandilands (IMO) is so important to your season.

Griffin beat Cox/Naitanui on his own in the second derby last year.

 

[Spoken4]

I don't buy Port Adelaide as a spoon contender.

The way they are playing, I'd reckon they can get to 10th-12th. Great young talent as well - Wines, Harlett, Stevenson, Mitchell, Ebert, Coloquin (?).

 

[sherb]

Since when did anyone give a shit what Robert Walls thinks?

Since forever on BigFooty it would seem.

 

[Spoken4]

Dude, forget about the "easy draw" they had in 2012. They won 17 games and finished the H&A season in 2nd place. Sydney were lucky the Crows choked in the first final and the Hawks were damn lucky to beat them in the Prelim.

Tippett did nothing last year. Overrated. The Crows never relied on him to win any games. He kicked 4 goals against Gold Coast and GWS. He kicked 5 goals against St Kilda's non-existent tall defenders and 4 goals in the Prelim against Schoenmakers. He kicked 3 goals on 4 occasions. Twice he kicked 2 goals. Six times he kicked a solitary goal and 5 times he failed to score.

Tex Walker is the man and he missed a big chunk of games in 2012. Given a clear run with injury, him and Jack Riewoldt should battle it out for this year's Coleman.

Dangerfield and Thompson are consistent footballers. No reason to assume they won't have massive years again. The Crows have plenty of other guys to give them support. They don't rely too heavily on anyone.

Last November's draft will have no bearing on the 2013 premiership.

As for Adelaide's 2013 fixture, they have a pretty good draw once again. Only 10 games versus last seasons finalists (2 of those vs NM) and only 14 games versus last year's top 12 teams. Return clashes vs WCE, Freo and NM. Just the one game versus Syd, Haw, Coll, Geel, Carl, St K, Ess, Rich (home games in bold)

I reckon they'll win at least 14 or 15 games.

If the Crows don't make the top 8, I will give myself a permanent ban from posting on here.

Always dangerous to make these types of ultimatums, particularly with the potential for injury - look at Carlton.

Also, Tex and Reiwoldt will be battling out for second place in the Coleman. Pav will have the Medal all stitched up by round 20.

 

[Magpies696]

This is why Robert Walls is not on tv anymore

 

[tropicaltiger]

I can't see Hawthorn finishing that high now.

Have 4 players on their list with ACL injuries & lost Young in the FA Period.

Young & Suckling were very important for their kicking (Suckling) and run (Young). Their depth has gone.

Agree, hodge looks half shot and if franklin or ruffhead go down with injury or suspension they are gone..

 

[estibador]

Oh he rated them, except Zac

Zac is actually looking a bit leaner and meaner with the shaved head this preseason, I think the floppy hair makes him look even more awkward and unco than he already is.

 

[Engimal]

The truth of the matter is I think it's really hard to pick the top 8 this year. So good luck to floggert Walls for trying.

Any of these teams can potentially make the 8 in 2013: Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn, West Coast, St Kilda, Richmond, with Brisbane an outside chance.

Even Top 4 is hard to pick really:
Collingwood looking good but I detect dissension in the ranks,
West Coast look strong and have all those home games to their advantage
Sydney if they can overcome their premiership hangover but once tippet starts they'll be very strong.
Adelaide still have a quality side but losing tippet and all the off-field preseason drama has to have an effect early on.
Hawthorn will injury effect them this year? Can they maintain the rage after getting so close in the last 3 seasons.
Geelong can their young guns breakout and take them up the next level. Do they have a good enough ruckman?
North can they be consistent and show hunger to win this year?
Carlton have the talent but can they adjust quickly to Mick's gameplan.
Fremantle looks ominous and will be tough to beat, especially in Perth.

I think all the teams above have the potential to be top 4 if things go their way. It's going to be an interesting season this year.

North have a chance to be top 4 but not top 8?

 

[Messenger]

4?
Whitecross and Suckling only...

Whitecross back by mid season


As for young, his run was valuable, his underbelly showed in the grand final though

And Woodward. Three.

 

[SurreyBlue]

Unfortunately his bias towards anything Ross Lyon fogs his thinking.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

Richmond has the potential to jump straight to the Top 4 like Adelaide in 2012.

Well you gave us 2 of your best players in Maric and Knights.

 

[le dominateur]

Who did he tip for ninth?

 

[Wayne Arnold]

Give him a spell in the ruck.

 

[Righteo]

Unfortunately his bias towards anything Ross Lyon fogs his thinking.

Is that why he has Adelaide missing the 8? For me that's a bigger head-scratcher.

 

[CF]

Richmond has the potential to jump straight to the Top 4 like Adelaide in 2012.

In most other seasons I'd agree with you but there are many many good teams this season so it is going to be tougher than previous years. But good luck to you if you do, however I lean more towards a top 8 position for the tiges than top 4 at this stage.

 

[CF]

North have a chance to be top 4 but not top 8?

oops... I do think North has a good chance at the top 8 and an outside chance at top 4.

 

[raff23]

Agree, hodge looks half shot and if franklin or ruffhead go down with injury or suspension they are gone..

spoken like someone who doesnt really have much of an idea of the depth of our squad, as a previous poster has said bradley hill looks like he is ready to step into suckling's shoes on the wing, trust me the bloke has tons more potential than young and is a decent enough replacement for suckling if he steps up. We also could have a bloke by the name of taylor duryea who you guys would have seen yesterday, looks the goods to me and imo will cement a spot this year in our team, is a good kick so while not as lethal as suckling it still provides drive from the backline. Having lake down back gives us the luxury of being more flexible with gibson, stratton and even birchall and that creates ample opportunities to increase our running power and drive. Write us off at your peril i rekon were in good shape despite the suckling setback.

 

[StevenwellerHFC]

He's spot on with the Hawks.

 

[forwardflanker]

Heard him on FiveAA the other day giving his top 8 predictions as well as his thoughts on where the Crows and Power will finish.

Here is his top 8 for season 2013:

1. Hawthorn
2. Fremantle
3. West Coast
4. Sydney
5. Carlton
6. Collingwood
7. Geelong
8. North Melbourne

Walls hasn't got much love for the South Australian clubs as he's tipped Adelaide to miss the finals and Port Adelaide to win the wooden spoon.

You can listen to his predictions here:
http://www.fiveaa.com.au/audio_robert-walls-and-his-top-8-predictions_106374

What are your thoughts?

Freemantle are way too high. 5th would be Carlton's best possible result and I think 6th would be a disaster for Collingwood given our preparation.Other than that it's a decent attempt.

A few people seem to have jumped off Hawthorn however they haven't lost any core players. I still think they'll finish top 2 with a good run of injuries because they were 5 goals in front of everyone last season imo. Also their depth won't be that hurt when you have guys like Hill in the 2's all last year who is more talented than any of the guys who are out long term. Suckling is a loss but Hawthorn are lucky in that they have the best depth in the AFL for running half back flankers who are gun kicks.