The Sydney Swans – A Supporters View
A Sydney Swans supporter could be pardoned for thinking this pre-season is purely a carbon copy of all other pre-seasons in the Paul Roos era. The low-scoring, two-point loss to the Hawks in Round 1 would be all the proof you need to confirm it. However, something exciting and unusual is going on in the Harbour city this summer: The Swans are fit, firing and if early form is anything to go on – the Swans are in with a chance to win a few early games (for a change).
Everyone knows the coach has his stock-standard responses to the media and the fans have the choice to believe it or not. At the start of the pre-season, Paul Roos told us that due to the uncharacteristic early exit to season 07, the team had progressed further along the preparation time-line and are in good shape for the 2008 season. To most Swans fans this was the case of “nothing we haven’t heard before” and most of us thought we’d rather believe it when we saw it than take his word for it. Read more
Fremantle Dockers – Promise Lots Deliver Very Little
Many would say that Fremantle are a frustrating side that always promises a lot during the pre season but do not deliver the goods. Will Season 2008 be any different from the boys from the West? Being an Essendon supporter I could be a bit biased considering the strong Essendon contingent at the Dockers at the moment.
Let’s take a look at the Additions and Deletions from the Dockers list for Season 2008:
ADDITIONS:
Rookie elevation: Andrew Foster
NAB AFL Draft: Kepler Bradley (Essendon), Clayton Hinkley (North Ballarat Rebels), Mark Johnson (Essendon), Chris Mayne (Perth), Rhys Palmer (East Fremantle)
DELETIONS:
Retired: Troy Cook, Justin Longmuir, Shane Parker (veteran – outside list)
Delisted: Clayton Collard, Ryley Dunn, Robert Haddrill, Calib Mourish, James Walker, Benet Copping (rookie), Darren Rumble (rookie)
Free Flowing Freo
Fremantle are another side that seems to play a free flowing style of game which, when they are on song is great to watch. The have proven to be capable of kicking some big scores and their forward line seems to have what it takes to mix it with the best in the competition. The Dockers were the 3rd highest points scored per game in 2007 proving their forward line can kick some goals. With the superstar that is Matthew Pavlich then he is certainly a man to build a forward line around. He will certainly be the go to man again in season 2008.
It what was a bit of a surprise to a lot of people that Mark Harvey has resurrected the careers of discarded Bomber pair Mark Johnson and Kepler Bradley the latter is probably worth a gamble, but the former I have my doubts about. In the last couple of years Johnson has seemed to be going backwards in his football, but a change of scenery might do him the world of good. He may like showing his “Mr Sunbury” body off down the beaches of Fremantle. It will be interesting to see if there is any remaining hostility between him and Chris Tarrant after their run in at a pub here in Melbourne. From all reports Johnson his having a great pre season and was a very solid performer in a recent intra club practise match playing down forward. He may just fit in nicely as a hard aggressive forward whose job it is to keep the fall in while maybe snagging a few. This would compliment the likes of Pavlich and Farmer quite nicely. With him and Solomon down there they have a pretty rugged line up. I think Des Headland can give them a bit more in the way of goal kicking power, with the big forwards in Pavlich and Tarrant commanding the best back men then these type of players need to make the most o the attention these stars get and provide some more options. I can just see Mark Johnson getting the 4th or 5th best back man, chewing his chewing gum and thinking “How good is this” and then kicking some bags of goals. They are certainly building up some fire power down there.
Sandilands in the Key!!
After only playing 15 games in 2007 Aaron Sandilands will be looking to have an injury free 2008 and will be a great inclusion for the Dockers. He is obviously a huge man and is rarely beaten in the Ruck department. With the mid fielders in the Carr brothers, Haselby, McManus, Black and Bell all quality players in their own right, and to give these players first use of the pill will be pivotal to the outcome of games this year. Brett Peake should come back into the side adding some more pace through the middle and if Ryan Crowley can step up a bit this year, I am not sure whether he has hit his straps yet, then the Docker midfield is looking is great shape. Mark Harvey had said that they were after 3 midfielders from the draft and they seem to have found a good one in Rhys Palmer who averaged 32 possessions in the National Carnival and looks very promising. You will more than likely see Johnson rotating through there as well. But Sandilands is the key!
If the Dockers can keep improving on their winning away from home illness they tend to have and get on a roll early in the season anything is possible for the Dockers, but we tend to say that every year. With a hard task master now as coach I am sure he will not take things lightly and will be instilling a win at all costs mentality that the Dockers lack on some occasions. I just think this year may just be the year that we see the Dockers break into the eight and place some pressure on the top sides. The draw doesn’t look so favourable for them in 2008, they travel to each major city once again this year and is something they are not very happy about. On the other hand if they start slowly then things may just fall in a heap.
To Inconsistent
For me they just a bit to inconsistent and they can never seem to gain any momentum during the year. Again coming into another year there are signs there that they could be anything, but I just don’t know whether they can deliver. You certainly wouldn’t place your house on them that’s for sure.
Ladder Prediction: 9
To check out the other Clubs 2008 previews check the Articles Page for more. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our RSS Feed to stay up to date with all the news here at AFL Football Blog.
Also we know have a Weekly AFL Newsletter that is FREE, sign up to receive it directly in your INBOX.
Another AFL Coach Under Pressure in 2008?
The Tigers went into season 2007 with great expectation but nothing eventuated and the year ended with them being extremely disappointed yet again, finishing 16 on the ladder. The endured 5 close defeats at the start of the season by when they were belted by Geelong in Round 6 by 157 points there season was all but over. Is there any chance the Tigers can turn this around in 2008?
Let’s take a look who is coming and who is going at the Richmond Football Club this year.
ADDITIONS:
Exchange period – received: Jordan McMahon (Western Bulldogs), Mitch Morton (West Coast)
Rookie elevation: Angus Graham, Jake King
NAB AFL Draft: Trent Cotchin (Northern Knights), Dean Putt (Calder Cannons), Alex Rance (Swan Districts)
DELETIONS:
Retired: Darren Gaspar (veteran – outside list), Ray Hall, Kent Kingsley, Trent Knobel
Delisted: Patrick Bowden, Brent Hartigan, Andrew Krakouer, Carl Peterson, Tas Clingan (rookie), Cam Howat (rookie)
Injuries, Injuries, Injuries ?
Some could argue that injuries to key players in Mark Coghlan, Ray Hall, Trent Knobel contributed greatly to the Tigers terrible season but even If 
those players were involved in the games the Tigers would still have lost, maybe all that would have changed would have been how much they lost by. The 2 big names to miss a large chunk of the season, Nathan Brown and Troy Simmonds were probably more influential in the Tigers losses. If those 2 can play the entire year and the 2nd and 3rd year players can step up then we should see some improvement in 2008. The Tigers coaching team have indicated that their pre season training leading into the 2007 season may have contributed to the major injuries that the club sustained and they will no doubt be looking at changing that during this pre season. Read more
AFL Pre Season Update – Stewart Dew
Well he was said to have been a gamble draft pick for Alastair Clarkson and the Hawthorn Football Club but it appears the weight seems to be coming off the ex Port Adelaide utility and we could even see him playing as soon as the NAB Cup. I have always thought that Dew could offer a great deal to the Hawks, not only in his leadership and experience but on the field as well. Provided he wants to be playing AFL Football, and from all reports he is “keen as mustard” as they say and it shows in his training and his commitment to dropping the kilos. He will slot in quite nicely as a pinch hitter up forward or in defense as a long kicking defender
Hawthorn Captain Sam Mitchell said “I’d be well and truly happy to run out next to him at the moment.” showing that he is just about ready to go which is a great sign for the Hawks and not such a great sign for opposition clubs. But the big area will be his experience that he will bring to the young side.
“He’s helping out the young guys, telling them what to do and where to go, and the patterns they should be running and the things they should be doing. When you can get an extra leader like that at the age of 28 or 29, and a premiership player into the footy club, it’s a great thing for us.”
You can’t beat the experience of a premiership player and all is going along nicely for the Hawks it seems as they gear up for the 2008 AFL Season.
Read the Hawthorn 2008 Preview here.
Can Port recover from 2007 Grand Final Nightmare?
In what was the greatest turnaround in the history of the Port Adelaide Football Club the Power finished 2nd in 2007 and climbed 10 spots from 2006 where it finished 12th. They won 11 of the last 12 games meaning they secured a home Preliminary Final and has history would have it a Grand Final berth. Where they were well and truly THUMPED by a rampant Geelong side. Let’s take a look now at who has left and arrived at Alberton this year:
ADDITIONS:
NAB AFL Draft: Mitchell Farmer (Calder Cannons), Matthew Lobbe (Eastern Ranges), Marlon Motlop (Wanderers), Matthew Westhoff (Central District)
DELETIONS:
Retired: Josh Mahoney, Darryl Wakelin
Exchange period – traded: Brad Symes (Adelaide)
Delisted: Ryan Willits (second list lodgement), Nathan Batsanis (rookie), Peter Hardy (rookie), Alex Lee (rookie)
Crash and Bash
Well Mark Williams has said that January’s training will be “Crash and Bash” training showing that the Power mean business in 2008, as they try to extract some revenge on other AFL Clubs after their extremely disappointing showing in the 2007 Grand Final.
The Port Adelaide side play a free flowing style of game which enables them to kick big scores, as indicated by the fact they were second only to Geelong in points scored per game. But at the other end of the scale and area for concern is their tackle count, maybe this style of play does not lend itself to high tackling rates (13th in tackles in 2007), but when you look at a side like Geelong as the bench mark they too play a free flowing game yet seem to be able to put the kind of pressure on that is required to enhance their style of play and it is an area that the Power need to improve on if they are to go one better in 2008. Read more
Back to Back Flags for the Geelong Football Club?
Well is there anyone who can challenge the might of the Geelong Football Club in Season 2008? I don’t think they can, maybe Collingwood, have a read here. Geelong was so dominant in 2007 that comparisons were being drawn to the great Essendon side of 2000 (and that was a brilliant side). I don’t think things will stop here for the Cats, let’s take a look at whom they have picked up and who they have let go.
ADDITIONS:
Father/son selection: Adam Donohue (Geelong Falcons)
Rookie elevation: Jason Davenport, Tom Lonergan
NAB AFL Draft: Dan McKenna (Gippsland Power), Dawson Simpson (Murray Bushrangers), Scott Simpson (Dandenong Stingrays), Harry Taylor (East Fremantle)
DELETIONS:
Exchange period – traded: Tim Callan (Western Bulldogs), Charlie Gardiner (St Kilda), Steven King (St Kilda), Henry Playfair (Sydney)
Delisted: Sam Hunt, Stephen Owen, Matthew Spencer, Todd Grima (rookie), Joel Reynolds (rookie)
Nathan Ablett Gone
Well as you can see from that the Cats certainly have not lost much and have gained some youngsters in which they can take 
their time in developing them. All the trades Callan, Gardiner, King and Playfair didn’t have any impact in 2007 and I don’t think they will be missed at all. We all know of the much publicized fact that Nathan Ablett has walked out and he will be one player that they will miss but I think he can be covered. Ablett’s head really wasn’t in it from the start, if he was fully focused it would be scary to think what he could have become. I just don’t think we will see him line up or the Cats again. It would be great to a player like the “Tomahawk” Tom Hawkins step up and take the reigns in the Cats forward line this year and inject some more enthusiasm in the side. Read more
Carlton Leadership Team Announced- Judd Captain ?
Well for all you Carlton fans the much anticipated leadership group has been announced here they are:
- Chris Judd
- Andrew Carrazzo
- Brendan Fevola
- Heath Scotland
- Kade Simpson
- Nick Stevens
You would have to think that Chris Judd would have to get the gig wouldn’t you? If I were a Carlton fan then that’s who I would want ! Can’t beat the services of a premiership captain. Fevola has made his feelings heard by backing Judd to become blue skipper. In the way that only Brendan can put it he said “I think Juddy will be captain,” and “He’s got all the qualities … he’s proven himself, he’s a premiership captain, Norm Smith Medalist, Brownlow Medalist, he brings a lot to our group.”
He also said that the players would have no issue with Judd being named captain. Why would you? It will be out of him and Nick Stevens one would think.
See what I think about Carlton’s chances in 2008 by reading this post.
Can the Kangaroos put the off field dramas behind them?
After what has been the biggest off season in the North Melbourne Football Club’s history, James Brayshaw and his team have made their decision to stay in Melbourne and the North fans are rejoicing while others are not so sure. The question is can the Kangaroos player and coaching staff get them selves up for the 2008 season and build on what was an impressive 2007 where they unexpectedly made the Preliminary Final, this was on the back of them being touted as Wooden Spooners. I have posted previously about some great highlight packages of the Kangaroos to get the adrenalin going.
Let’s go through their additions and deletions from the list:
ADDITIONS:
Exchange period – received: Ben Davies (Collingwood), Sam Power (Western Bulldogs)
Rookie elevation: Leigh Adams, Matt Campbell
NAB AFL Draft: Levi Greenwood (Port Adelaide Magpies), Blake Grima (Kangaroos), Josh Smith (West Perth), Robbie Tarrant (Bendigo Pioneers), Scott Thompson (Geelong VFL)
DELETIONS:
Retired: Glenn Archer (veteran – outside list), Kasey Green, Jonathan Hay
Exchange period – traded: Brad Moran (Adelaide)
Delisted: Blake Grima (second list lodgement), Daniel McConnell, David Trotter, Callum Urch, Djaran Whyman, Ben Hughes (rookie), Tim Hutchison (rookie)
With a finishing ladder position of 4th in 2007 the Kangaroos will not be expecting anything less than another top 4 finish in 2008. Dean Laidley has got this team gelling together as a unit very nicely. The don’t have the superstar players that other teams have, unless you can put Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells in that category, but what they do is play as an old fashioned team as you would expect given they are the “Shinboners”.
In 2007 the Kangaroos seemed to have the better of the teams outside the eight but were found out a bit by the teams inside the eight as illustrated by the fact that they only won 4 of 13 games against these teams, this is something that I am sure Laidley has discussed at length with the playing group.
In 2007 Laidley produced a more attacking game plan and the Kangaroos now play an exiting attacking, high scoring style of football which from a spectators point of view is good to watch. Laidley’s faith in a couple of players in Michael Firrito, who was exceptional at holding down full back and the emergence of Josh Gibson in the back half was great to see. These two will be the leaders in defence along with Daniel Pratt now that the Shinboner of the Century has retired and his on field presence will be missed. A youngster by the name of Levi Greenwood may just slot straight into the great mans shoes and from all reports bares a striking resemblance to the way Archer played.
Last year saw what I would rate as career best form from the likes of Brent Harvey, Corey Jones, Shannon Watt, Jesse Smith and Hamish McIntosh. It will be interesting too see if this group of players and along with the likes of Andrew Swallow and Scott McMahan can back up their exceptional years and have another fantastic season because that will go along way to determining the outcome of the season for the Kangaroos. Let’s not forget the Kangaroos had 9 players in the finals series that had played under 50 games so those players should now be ready to take a big step forward.
Is Neil Craig under pressure in 2008 ?
Well Neil Craig must be feeling the pressure over there in Adelaide one would think. Adelaide fans and the club were disappointed with their results in 2007 and they only just scraped into the 8 at the end of the year and had an elimination final loss. I guess the fact that Riccuto missed most of the year didn’t help their cause. The Crows have had a turnover of 14 players which has given the Crows a very different look in 2008. A new leadership team lead by Simon Goodwin has also been put in place.
Lets first take a look at who Adelaide has gained and lost for the 2008 Season
ADDITIONS:
Exchange period – received: Brad Moran (Kangaroos), Brad Symes (Port Adelaide)
Rookie elevation: Greg Gallman
Scholarship elevation: Taylor Walker
NAB AFL Draft: Tony Armstrong (Calder Cannons), Aaron Kite (Calder Cannons), Myke Cook (Sandringham Dragons), Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Falcons), Jarrhan Jacky (Subiaco), Andy Otten (Oakleigh Chargers)
DELETIONS:
Retired: Mark Ricciuto (veteran – outside list)
Exchange period – traded: Ben Hudson (Western Bulldogs), Martin Mattner (Sydney), John Meesen (Melbourne)
Delisted: Matthew Bode, John Hinge, Ian Perrie, Darren Pfeiffer, Jason Torney, Scott Welsh (second list lodgment), Rhys Archard (rookie), Andrew McIntyre (rookie), James Turner (rookie)
High Possession Team
Adelaide are a very high possession team and play like a game of keepings off, Neil Craig is very big on “Tempo Football” and as a result they are very high on the list of disposals per game. It is a bit of a misleading stat in that the only reason they have high possessions is because of their style of play in that they chip the ball around all over the place, they are far from a side that is direct and long kicking. 
This is Craig’s style though, he comes across as a coach that is more interested in tactics and inventing new ways to play the game rather than the old fashioned style of coaches, although I think there has to be some of this involved in a game plan Craig seems to go a bit to far in my opinion. This maybe because they haven’t got a spearhead down in their forward line as a direct target and rely on freeing up other players as their avenue to goal.
No Goal Kicking Power
Can Brisbane make the Top 4 in 2008?
As I continue to make my way through the 16 AFL Clubs and rate their chances for the 2008 season, today I turn my attention to the first interstate team the Brisbane Lions. They were only 2 games shy of making the eight in 2007 and I expect them to feature in the Finals in 2008 and who knows maybe even battle it out for a top 4 position.
ADDITIONS:
Exchange period – received: Travis Johnstone (Melbourne)
Rookie elevation: Anthony Corrie
NAB AFL Draft: Matt Austin (North Ballarat Rebels), Tom Collier (Tassie Mariners), Brad Dalziell (East Fremantle), Lachlan Henderson (Geelong Falcons), James Polkinghorne (Calder Cannons)
NAB AFL Rookie Draft: Pearce Hanley (County Mayo, Ireland)
DELETIONS:
Retired: Chris L. Johnson, Chris Scott, Michael Voss (veteran – outside list)
Exchange period – traded: Richard Hadley (Carlton), Cameron Wood (Collingwood)
Delisted: Marcus Allan, Ben Fixter, Pat Garner, Will Hamill (rookie)
2008 Brownlow Medallist – Jonathon Brown?
If Jonathon Brown decides to get a kick prior to Round 8 then look out Brownlow Medal. With Daniel Bradshaw returning and gun youngster Mitch Clarke lining up down forward the Lions have the makings of a very potent forward line. The Lions forward line was only 12th on the rankings for points scored per game and is an area that needs improvement. But when Bradshaw comes back and with Jonathon Brown demanding 2-3 opponents every week then Bradshaw may be left with the 2nd 3rd or 4th best backman and Leigh Matthews will be rubbing his hands together. The inclusion of Bradshaw is very important to the make up of the Lions forward line as he adds X Factor down there because he can play both small and tall is a hard match up. It also means that the likes of McGrath and Patfull will get less attention than they did in 2007.
