As much as we would all like to think that our sides have a flag chance, have a look at it seriously. Don't bet with your heart , bet with your head.

Honestly this last season there were only four chances from half way and they played off in the prelims. I left saints out after preseason victory as lacked real finals experience ( same for Geelong )and Backed, Lions, Port and Swans.

Previou too years I backed Pies, Lions and Port.

You must go though records, all winners of last 10 years have been in top four / five previous year.Just check them ou for your self. Sides who finish 7 -12 last year may improve . but to what 3 or 4, thats not winning flag.

Only danger to Port, Brisbane, Swans and Saints might be Eagles, but need more Goal kickers.

I follow pies but wont win till they buy a decent top ruckmen,

Jaffa

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I have interests in racing and all sports. Especially interested in Barrier Trials and willing to contact fellow punters in all states to set up australia wide database of all trials

You seem to have a slightly higher opinion of the Swans than many. As a Lions supporter, I know how damn well they play against us, but they seem to slip up against some of the other sides.

I reckon Geelong is therabouts also.They actually have as good a midfield as anyone in the league. They smashed Brissie in the midfield in the Prelim but just didnt quite know how to win it.
Dockers can improve but can't win it, not enough gun forwards.
Saints, Geelong and Port are the three chances for mine. I think they have the best lists.
Brisbane will still be good, but remind me of Essendon when we lost to Brissie in 2001. We lost that aura of invincibility and other teams weren't as intimidated.
I cant see geelong, saints or power being intimidated by the Lions ever again.
Saints should be the biggest threat to everyone, after there poleaxing in the first final they played ************ good finals footy and will only be bigger and stronger this year. The $5 you can get about 'em now is incredible value.
Remember, it took the Kangaroos, Lions and Power a few years of losing to become truly great teams and I reckon they are on the verge of the best era we may ever see, if they can keep there list together!!

Yep. I agree there.

Mug punta,

What about your mob? How do you reckon they'll go?

I'm thinking of backing the Bombers for the 8, because quite a few people are thinking that they're going to miss out this year and as a result, I reckon their odds will be pretty inviting. Even when they're not really a premiership threat, they still almost always make the finals. Going to think about it a bit longer though.

Personally, I wouldn't back us. We are rebuilding and heaps of kids will be playing this year. How good kids like Dyson, Stanton, Laycock,Winderlich,Bradley are we will know as the seson goes on, but rest assured they will be playing plenty of footy.
I guess the positive is anyside with Hird (who reports say is as fit and injury free as he's ever been), Lloyd and Fletcher will be pretty good if they can all stay on the park.
As for making the 8 we have a chance but I give us no hope of winning the flag. Sheedy does have a knack of getting the boys into September.
He has been at Essendon since 1981 and from memory we've only missed the finals 3 times, that may be slightly out but overall he's had a great record of making finals.
My long term big bet is for Gehrig to win the Coleman medal. i hope to get at least 5/2. I expect Lloyd to spend more time out at centre half forward this year amd Gehrig is almost unstoppable at telstra dome under the roof

I'll go out on a limb and nominate the demons as a roughy to make the top 4. Dont ask me why, its just one of those gut feelings.

Ron,

It's an odd number year.

I think the Sainters will be a mighty force this year. Great bunch of players who play well together, they are the ones to beat for mine.

I think the Saints will be extremley hard to beat given their promising year in
2004. They seem to gel well togethor and look like they really want to dig in for each other. Anything better than 5.00 will be getting me , no question.

REMEMBER- Think first before saying nothing.