Thanks for the vote of confidence RFS. Don’t know about odds but I will stick my neck out and give a finishing order after the home and away.
(I would like an opportunity to review after 5/6 rounds). With big list changes every year it is very difficult to make pre-season predications for the U19s. Most teams are an unknown quantity and pre-season form counts for little. Been a while since 2 district clubs featured in 19 Premier. Good to see. Expect this will be very even competition this year.
OX Strongest club in the comp but perennial bridesmaid in the 19s. Have lost 3 recent GF’s to De La and will be desperate to match the success of their seniors. Another strong group and better depth than last year should see them near the top.
UNI BLUES. They are very optimistic about their list this year. Heaps of talent at their disposal and if they gel early then look out. A definite threat
DE LA SALLE Powerhouse of 19s football. The last 5 GF’s in a row for 4 premierships. Some good judges rate the undefeated 2010 team as the best 19s team ever. The reign must end eventually but if they make the 4 will be a big threat. Another flag is a real possibility.
BEAUMARIS Many of the 2010 team that played finals is eligible again. Some very good players in that lot and they will be right amongst it again. They are very confident of making a big impression this year.
ST BEDES Underachieved for the talent they had last year. This group is better than 2010 with some very good additions. Believe they have recruited well and seem to benefit more than others as Sandy Dragons send a few their way. While topping up the talent this can also cause some friction with so many changes from week to week
SCOTCH A club desperate for success at any level. Regular finals appearances in recent years and ready to take the next step. Always seem to recruit well and it wouldn’t surprise to see them push for a top 4 spot.
FITZROY Apologies if this seems disrespectful but I just don’t know anything about them. The 2010 version must have been pretty good to knock off what was reportedly an extremely good Werribee side twice in the finals. My prediction is based only on recent North Division sides struggling when coming up to Premier with the last couple of teams going straight back down again. Can someone from the Roys give us some insight please?
UNI BLACKS Just a guess really. Believe they were decimated by injury last year that really tested their depth. A good result for the club to stay in Premier otherwise all the talent might have deserted them for the Blues. The mail is they have recruited well.
OLD BRIGHTON I hear that quite a few of last years South 1 premiership side are eligible again but that numbers are an issue. Have some real talent but depth might be a problem.
OLD MELBOURNE Some very big pre-season wraps on them last year - mostly from their own, but they never really got going. Relied heavily on 2 or 3 players. Will post some wins but I don’t expect they will threaten.
Xavs top of the ladder, seriously doubt it!!!
Watched St Bedes against Old Mentonians and heard it was close to full strength, didn't look like a team that would finish anywhere near the top.