AFL 2002 Team Previews

[Cartman88]

Hi Guys,

I have spent the past few days putting together some info and thoughts on each team for this season. There has been some interesting player movements in the off season.

Here goes .........

 

[Cartman88]

ADELAIDE CROWS

ADELAIDE CROWS

ADELAIDE CROWS

Last Season:
8th (12 wins 10 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Ryan Fitzgerald (Sydney)
Kris Massie (Carlton)
Ben Nelson (Carlton)
Daniel Schell (Fremantle)
Ben Finnin (Northern Knights)
Brent Reilly (Calder Cannons)
Jacob Schuback (Gippsland Power)
Trent Hentschel (Palmerston NT/Woodville West Torrens)

Departures:
Darren Jarman (retired)
Matthew Robran (retired)
Andrew Eccles (Carlton)
David Gallagher (Carlton)
Peter Vardy (Melbourne)
Stuart Bown
James Byrne
Ricky O'Loughlin
Adam Richardson

Odds to win Premiership:
$31.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.90

Thoughts:
Adelaide had an awful start to last season before rallying to sneak into the finals. In 2002 they appear to lack depth and will be relying on the class of Andrew McLeod and the experience of their older brigade to win matches. With some luck Adelaide could make it into the Top 8 but I expect them to fall a couple of games short. Even if they can make the finals Adelaide don?t have the firepower to match the top 2 or 3 sides in the AFL.

 

[Cartman88]

BRISBANE LIONS

BRISBANE LIONS

BRISBANE LIONS

Last Season:
Winner (17 wins 5 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Robert Copeland
Nathan Clarke
Jason Gram (Gippsland Power)
Jarrad Wright (Woodville-West Torens)

Departures:
Matthew Kennedy (retired)
Trent Knobel (St Kilda)
Marcus Picken (Western Bulldogs)
Shannon Rusca (Western Bulldogs)
Nathan Clarke
Ben Robbins

Odds to win Premiership:
$3.60

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.10

Thoughts:
Brisbane are the defending champs and with virtually the same squad they are going to be very hard to beat again. This team has everything. A great mix of experience and youth. Talent and speed all over the paddock. Huge self belief both individually and as a team. The only flaw was their historical poor performances away from the Gabba but after winning 16 consecutive games last year I don?t see this as an issue any longer. I think Brisbane can make it back to back premierships.

 

[Cartman88]

CARLTON BLUES

CARLTON BLUES

CARLTON BLUES

Last Season:
5th (14 wins 8 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Andrew Eccles (Adelaide)
David Gallagher (Adelaide)
Corey McKernan (Kangaroos)
Justin Murphy (Geelong)
Lindsay Smith (Kangaroos)
Jarrad Waite (Murray Bushrangers)
Sam Cranage (Carlton)
Justin Davies (Murray Bushrangers)

Departures:
Dean Rice
Stephen Silvagni (retired)
Kris Massie (Adelaide)
Ben Nelson (Adelaide)
Mark Porter (Kangaroos)
Brett Backwell
Adam Chatfield
Heath Culpitt
Sam Cranage
Jordan Doering
Murray Vance
Adam White

Odds to win Premiership:
$21.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.50

Thoughts:
Carlton are traditionally one of the first teams you pencil in for the finals but this year they have some hurdles to overcome. Anthony Koutafidis one of the highest paid players in the game is expected to be out for most of the season with a knee injury. Stephen Silvagni has retired leaving a big defensive hole which Glenn Manton will try to fill. Lance Whitnall has plenty to prove after an indifferent year in 2001. Corey McKernan from the Kangaroos and Justin Murphy from Geelong are two nice gains but how they fit in remains to be seen. I think Carlton have enough depth to make the Top 8 and they are a rough hope of challenging for the flag if all players are available in September.

 

[Cartman88]

COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES

COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES

COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES

Last Season:
9th (11 wins 11 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Richard Cole (Eastern Ranges)
Scott Cummings (West Coast)
Tom Davidson (Geelong Falcons)
Mark McGough (Murray Bushrangers)
Dane Swan (Calder Cannons)
Tristen Walker (Claremont)

Departures:
Dale Baynes
Danny Roach
Nick Stone
Brent Tuckey
Andrew Ukovic
James Wasley

Odds to win Premiership:
$31.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.90

Thoughts:
Collingwood are a team that have promised plenty the past couple of seasons but have fallen short of expectation. The pressure will really be on coach Mick Malthouse to get his team into the Top 8 and they have the squad to do it providing they can keep some key players on the field. Nathan Buckley as captain will again lead the way. Josh Fraser is possibly the best young ruckman in the game and needs to take his game to the next level. Chris Tarrant will be complimented in the forward line by the experienced Scott Cummings who is looking to revive his career. Jarrod Molloy adds plenty to the side but needs to be proactive and get himself more involved in the action.

 

[Cartman88]

ESSENDON BOMBERS

ESSENDON BOMBERS

ESSENDON BOMBERS

Last Season:
Runner Up (17 wins 5 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Damien Peverill
Shane Harvey (Northern Knights)
Simon O?Keefe (Murray Bushrangers)
Daniel McAlister
Joel Reynolds (Geelong Falcons)
Paul Salmon (Hawthorn)
Andrew Welsh (Calder Cannons)

Departures:
John Barnes (retired)
Michael Long (retired)
Dean Wallis (retired)
Damien Hardwick (Port Adelaide)
Michael Davis
Judd Lalich
Daniel McAlister
Jonathon Robran

Odds to win Premiership:
$4.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.10

Thoughts:
Only two seasons ago this Essendon team were being called one of the greatest of all time and they were dominant in winning the premiership. Last year despite winning the home/away season and making the Grand Final everyone associated with the club would say it was a disappointing season. Make no mistake this is still an extremely good side with a well balanced coaching staff led by Kevin Sheedy and Mark Harvey. Essendon will make the Top 4 and could easily go all the way.

 

[Cartman88]

FREMANTLE DOCKERS

FREMANTLE DOCKERS

FREMANTLE DOCKERS

Last Season:
16th (2 wins 20 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Trent Croad (Hawthorn)
Jeff Farmer (Melbourne)
Luke McPharlin (Hawthorn)
Troy Simmonds (Melbourne)
Daniel Haines (rookie)
Andrew Browne (Claremont)
Paul Medhurst (Claremont)
Graham Polak (East Fremantle)

Departures:
Tony Modra (retired)
Ashley Prescott (retired)
Daniel Bandy (Western Bulldogs)
Heath Black (St Kilda)
Daniel Schell (Adelaide)
Adam Butler
Ashley Clancy
Adrian Fletcher
Dwayne Simpson
Brad Wira

Odds to win Premiership:
$71.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$3.40

Thoughts:
Fremantle in my opinion will be the big improvers this year. Whilst they may have finished with only 2 wins last season there were numerous games where they were very competitive against good opposition only to let the game slip in the final quarter. They have appointed highly regarded Chris Connelly to coach the side and as expected named Peter Bell as club captain. Two huge buys in the off season will see Trent Croad and Jeff Farmer into the team. The key for Fremantle will be to get some early wins to boost confidence and if they can do this they could surprise many by sneaking into the Top 8.

 

[Cartman88]

GEELONG CATS

GEELONG CATS

GEELONG CATS

Last Season:
12th (9 wins 13 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Aaron Lord (Hawthorn)
Brent Grgic (Melbourne)
Gary Ablett Junior (Geelong Falcons)
James Bartel (Geelong Falcons)
James Kelly (Calder Cannons)
David Johnson (Essendon)
Steve Johnson (Murray Bushrangers)
Charlie Gardiner (Sandringham Dragons)
Matthew McCarthy (Old Xaverians)
Henry Playfair (NSW/ACT Rams)

Departures:
Garry Hocking (retired)
Clint Bizzell (Melbourne)
Justin Murphy (Carlton)
Ezra Bray
Paul Corrigan
Adam Houlihan
Daniel Lowther
Jason Mooney
Joel McKay
Hamish Simpson

Odds to win Premiership:
$61.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$3.50

Thoughts:
Geelong didn?t have a good season in 2001 and unfortunately for their supporters I can?t see it getting any better. With such a young side this really looks like a rebuilding year although the pressure will really be on coach Mark Thompson (who was given a one year contract entension) captain Ben Graham and vice captain Steven King to produce some wins. Unless their young players step up very quickly it could be an ugly year for Geelong and I can see value in the $6.50 available for the Wooden Spoon.

 

[Cartman88]

HAWTHORN HAWKS

HAWTHORN HAWKS

HAWTHORN HAWKS

Last Season:
4th (13 wins 9 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Robert Campbell
Campbell Brown (Oakleigh Chargers)
Simon Cox (Western Bulldogs)
Daniel Elstone (Bendigo Pioneers)
Luke Hodge (Geelong Falcons)
Rick Ladson (Bendigo Pioneers)
Sam Mitchell (Box Hill Hawks)

Departures:
Matthew Dent (retired)
Anthony Rock (retired)
Trent Croad (Fremantle)
Luke McPharlin (Fremantle)
Aaron Lord
Chris Obst
Brett O'Farrell

Odds to win Premiership:
$10.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.33

Thoughts:
Hawthorn finished the 2001 regular season in 4th place but could have been higher if they hadn?t dropped games to the lower sides. In the finals they upset Port Adelaide before giving Essendon a big scare. This year they have lost Trent Croad to Fremantle but still have a very strong playing list. Hawthorn will almost certainly make the Top 8 this year and are a great chance to make the Top 4. They are very capable of winning the premiership but I still have a nagging doubt if they can match Brisbane or Essendon when it counts.

 

[Cartman88]

KANGAROOS

KANGAROOS

KANGAROOS

Last Season: 13th (9 wins 13 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
David Bourke (Richmond)
Mark Porter (Carlton)
Leigh Harding
David Teague
Rod Crowe (Sandringham Dragons)
Hugh Foott (Bendigo Pioneers)
David Hale (Broadbeach)
Michael Martyn (Kangaroos)
Ben Robbins (Brisbane Lions)
Ashley Watson (Bendigo Pioneers)

Departures:
Ricky Olarenshaw (retired)
Corey McKernan (Carlton)
Lindsay Smith (Carlton)
Mark Ainley
David Calthorpe
Clayton Lasscock
Michael Martyn
John Spaull
Christian Woodley

Odds to win Premiership:
$31.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$2.10

Thoughts:
Not many people would disagree that the Kangaroos were the dominant side of the last decade. Unfortunately poor recruiting now has them in a position where they have a combination of old injured players and limited young talent. There are genuine concerns over the clubs future and this has prompted them to relocate their home base to Colonial Stadium. The other big question is whether champion player Wayne Carey can return to anywhere near his best or if injury will force him out of the game. I think the Kangaroos will put up some brave performances in 2002 and show what a proud club they are however I don?t think this will be enough to get them into the Top 8.

 

[Cartman88]

MELBOURNE DEMONS

MELBOURNE DEMONS

MELBOURNE DEMONS

Last Season:
11th (10 wins 12 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Clint Bizzell (Geelong)
Craig Ellis (Western Bulldogs)
Peter Vardy (Adelaide)
Steven Armstrong (Perth)
Luke Molan (Geelong Falcons)
Brad Miller (Mount Gravatt)
Aaron Rogers (NSW/ACT Rams)

Departures:
Anthony Ingerson (retired)
Jeff Farmer (Fremantle)
Brent Grgic (Geelong)
Troy Simmonds (Fremantle)
Ben Beams
Matthew Collins
Mitchell Craig
Nick Gill
Shannon O'Brien
Steven Pitt

Odds to win Premiership:
$31.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$2.25

Thoughts:
1997 they finish 16th.
1998 they finish 4th.
1999 they finish 14th.
2000 they make the Grand Final.
2001 they finish 11th.
2002 who the hell knows
You have to ask the question why would a club known for being inconsistent recruit three of the most inconsistent players in the AFL. Clint Bizzell from Geelong. Craig Ellis from the Wstn Bulldogs. Peter Vardy from Adelaide. All very capable but will need to play well week in week out as will former Brownlow medalist Shane Woewodin. I find it hard to make a confident prediction about Melbourne except to say they have the potential to make the Top 8 if they don?t relax against the weaker sides.

 

[Cartman88]

PORT ADELAIDE POWER

PORT ADELAIDE POWER

PORT ADELAIDE POWER

Last Season:
5th (16 wins 6 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Damien Hardwick (Essendon)
Dean Brogan
Chris Hall
Barry Brooks (Tassie Mariners)
Jared Poulton (Port Adelaide)
Damon White (Perth)

Departures:
Shane Bond (retired)
Fabian Francis
Mark Harwood
Brayden Lyle
Jared Poulton
Nathan Steinberner

Odds to win Premiership:
$13.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.33

Thoughts:
Port Adelaide were shaping as a real contender last season but one disappointing loss in the finals dashed their hopes. This club has never won a final in their history and obviously that needs to change if they plan on making it into a Grand Final. They have a similar squad this year which includes arguably the best midfield in the game. Club captain and top ruckman Matthew Primus will need to play a major role in getting the best out of the side. I really rate Port Adelaide and expect them to be in the Top 4 at the end of year. The $13.00 on offer for them to win the flag is appealing but their lack of finals experience is enough to stop me pulling the trigger.

 

[Cartman88]

RICHMOND TIGERS

RICHMOND TIGERS

RICHMOND TIGERS

Last Season:
4th (15 wins 7 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Paul Hudson (Western Bulldogs)
Greg Stafford (Sydney)
Craig Ednie
Adam Houlihan (Geelong)
Chris Hyde (Richmond)
Martin McGrath (South Fremantle)
David Rodan (Calder Cannons)

Departures:
Paul Broderick
Brendon Gale
David Bourke (Kangaroos)
Nick Daffy (Sydney)
Ben Haynes
Chris Hyde
Aaron James
Lionel Proctor
Paddy Steinfort

Odds to win Premiership:
$17.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.45

Thoughts:
Richmond are a team I have never really liked but they certainly gained my respect with some gutsy wins in 2001. If they hope to improve on last years Top 4 finish their midfield led by new recruit Greg Stafford will need to play consistently well. This will ensure their tall forward line featuring Matthew Richardson and Brad Ottens get enough opportunities to kick match winning scores. My gut feeling is that Richmond will finish mid table.

 

[Cartman88]

ST KILDA SAINTS

ST KILDA SAINTS

ST KILDA SAINTS

Last Season:
15th (4 wins 18 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Heath Black (Fremantle)
Trent Knobel (Brisbane)
Luke Ball (Sandringham Dragons)
Xavier Clarke (St Marys)
Nick Dal Santo (Bendigo Pioneers)
Josh Houlihan (Murray Bushrangers)
Matthew Maguire (Geelong Falcons)
Leigh Montagna (Northern Knights)

Departures:
Sean Charles (retired)
Mark Gale (retired)
Robert Powell (retired)
Damien Ryan (retired)
Jason Traianidis (retired)
Barry Hall (Sydney)
Tony Delaney
Tim Elliott
Brett Knowles
Ben Walton
Matthew Young

Odds to win Premiership:
$61.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$3.15

Thoughts:
St Kilda had a season to forget in 2001. On the field some key injuries and a lack of depth saw them only win 4 games. Off the field saw a huge debacle when million dollar coach Malcolm Blight was replaced mid season by the inexperienced Grant Thomas. He did enough to retain the position despite publically assuring everyone he wasn?t interested in the position. St Kilda have a very young side. They will be heavily relying on the more experienced players such as Robert Harvey Peter Everitt & Stewart Loewe to lead the way and stay injury free. I expect St Kilda to win more games than last year but not enough to make the finals.

 

[Cartman88]

SYDNEY SWANS

SYDNEY SWANS

SYDNEY SWANS

Last Season:
7th (12 wins 10 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Nick Daffy (Richmond)
Barry Hall (St Kilda)
Leigh Brockman
Tadhg Kennelly
Lewis Roberts-Thomson (NSW/ACT Rams)
Daniel Hunt (South Fremantle)
Ricky Mott (South Fremantle)
Mark Powell (Murray Bushrangers)
Adam Schneider (NSW/ACT Rams)
Tony Lockett (Sydney)

Departures:
Dale Lewis
Troy Luff
Stephen Tingay
Ryan Fitzgerald (Adelaide)
Greg Stafford (Richmond)
Robert Ahmat
Gerrard Bennett
Simon Feast
John Stevens

Odds to win Premiership:
$26.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$1.70

Thoughts:
In recent seasons Sydney has shown glimpses of being a very good side but inconsistency has made them difficult to follow. They have made some notable player changes this year and their forward line is boosted with champion forward Tony Lockett and Barry Hall from St Kilda. They have also traded Nick Daffy from Richmond. In my opinion Sydney will finish mid table possibly making the Top 8 but does not have the necessary squad to be a serious premiership contender in 2002.

 

[Cartman88]

WEST COAST EAGLES

WEST COAST EAGLES

WEST COAST EAGLES

Last Season:
14th (5 wins 17 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Ashley Hansen (Oakleigh Chargers)
Chris Judd (Sandringham Dragons)
Ashley Sampi (South Fremantle)
Mark Seaby (West Perth)

Departures:
Andrew Donnelly (retired)
Dean Kemp (retired)
David Antonowicz
Scott Cummings
Ryan Turnbull

Odds to win Premiership:
$101.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$3.90

Thoughts:
West Coast have appointed former dual premiership player John Worsfold to coach the team this season and gutsy captain Ben Cousins will again lead by example. The club unfortunately has a very weak list and like last season will struggle to win many games. I expect West Coast to finish near the bottom of the ladder and the $4.00 on offer for the Wooden Spoon is worth consideration.

 

[Cartman88]

WESTERN BULLDOGS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Last Season:
10th (10 wins 12 losses in regular season)

Arrivals:
Daniel Bandy (Fremantle)
Marcus Picken (Brisbane)
Shannon Rusca (Brisbane)
Brent Colbert (Northern Knights)
Brian Harris (Woodville West Torrens)
Aaron James (Richmond)
Kieran McGuinness (Eastern Ranges)
Sam Power (Oakleigh Chargers)
Nathan Saunders (Werribee)

Departures:
Jose Romero (retired)
Andrew Wills (retired)
Craig Ellis (Melbourne)
Paul Hudson (Richmond)
Adam Contessa
Simon Cox
Todd Curley
Paul Dooley

Odds to win Premiership:
$51.00

Odds to make Final 8:
$2.70

Thoughts:
In the past the Western Bulldogs attracted plenty of respect but with problems on and off the field in 2001 there were signs this club has some tough times ahead. They are in financial difficulty and come into this season with a weak playing list. Their senior players are not the force they used to be and will be relying heavily on Chris Grant to produce his best footy. Their younger players look ok but don?t seem to have the raw talent that other clubs have attracted. I would be surprised to see the Western Bulldogs make the Top 8.

 

[Cartman88]

SUMMARY

SUMMARY

SUMMARY

Well after looking at every side quite thoroughly it is worth having a guess at how things will finish up at the end of the regular season. Here is how I think the table will look after Round 22:

[COLOR=royal blue]Brisbane
Essendon
Port Adelaide
Hawthorn
Collingwood
Carlton
Fremantle
Richmond
Sydney
Melbourne
Adelaide
Kangaroos
St Kilda
Western Bulldogs
West Coast
Geelong[/COLOR]

 

[Cartman88]

POSSIBLE BETS

POSSIBLE BETS

POSSIBLE BETS

At this stage I am not planning to have any futures bets myself (I prefer not to tie money up for 6 months). For anyone interested here is what I consider the best of the various markets:

To win the Premiership:
Brisbane @ $3.60
Essendon @ $4.00
Both these sides are a class above the rest and I expect one of them to win the flag. If you back both teams you are getting close to even money.

To make the Top 8:
Collingwood @ $1.90
Fremantle @ $3.40
Some nice value with both these sides. Collingwood is probably the better play but I have a sneaky feeling that Fremantle might be the surprise package this year.

Wooden Spoon:
West Coast @ $4.00
Geelong @ $6.50
Both these sides struggled last year and they again have weak lists this year.

 

[Anders]

Is that all you could do for us? Shoddy, very shoddy :thefinger