TOPIC:

Let's get this started before pre-season gives some clues as to form lines. Unfortunately, it is not difficult. For 2 decades, the WAFL has been dominated by S, C, SF and WP. Other teams bob up from time to time - alignment assisted EP/PT, SD in 2010 (which nearly bankrupted them), plus a handful of finals, EF had a bit of a tilt 10 or so years ago. But overwhelmingly, the inequality in the WAFL is so entrenched over such a long time period that it can't be described as cyclical. As a second tier comp with half hearted equalisation measures, a division into haves and have-nots is inevitable. So the bottom 4 may make finals now and then, but don't enjoy sustained success. Conversely, the top 4 may miss out occasionally, but only for a year or two before going straight back in. 

So this season, I expect to see a ladder in three parts: S, WP, SF and C well above everyone else; SD, EF and EP battling for 5th, and PT, P and WCER bottom 3. As always, PT and WCER will be dependent on the number and quality of AFL players available, but PT lost some quality non-AFL talent. The situation with Covid and top-ups may introduce an element of uncertainty to an otherwise predictable season, but even then, the top 4 have the depth to cover losing players to the top up system. The exception is WP and Keitel - I have WP to finish second, but will drop to 4th if they lose Keitel for any length of time. 

And so my ladder:

Subi

West Perth
South Freo
Claremont

Swans
East Freo
East Perth

Peel
Perth 
WCER

Good summation Ted.  
My ladder:

Subi


Claremont
WP
SF

Swans
EF. (Wasn’t sure, could be one place higher. Because of the player losses, they’re a bit of an unknown )
Perth
EP
Freo
Eagles
(as you say, depends on player availability.)

 

There's too many variables in play to make ladder predictions but I will make two observations. Subi weren't dominant last year and in my opinion overdelivered when you consider they were beaten by EF a month before the finals and only just got over Peel in the last game by 4 points to finish on top. If they had lost that game it was possible to finish as low as third depending on other results. Subi got through to the GF and met an undermanned Souths who were missing 5 of their best players through injury. The rest is history but it could have been a very different outcome if Souths were fully fit. Throw in the loss of our best player Greg Clark to WCE and I think it will be a lot closer than most think this year.

West Perth are the smokies for mine with club legend Harris back as coach and some very good in's including Mark Hutchins who should be dominant at WAFL level. Also the fact the club is now financially stable will make a difference to footy operations so I expect to see Joondy in the conversation at the pointy end of the season.

Havent we already done this?

Anyway...

Subi

Claremont
East Freo
West Perth
Swans
South
Perth
East Perth
Peel
WCE

Wouldn’t have a clue, only one real scratch match so far. Never been a WAFL season build up so damn quiet.

Peel
Subiaco
West Perth
Claremont
South Fremantle 
Swan Districts
East Fremantle 
WC Eagles 
East Perth
Perth

DD wrote:

Wouldn’t have a clue, only one real scratch match so far. Never been a WAFL season build up so damn quiet.

what build up?

media non existent...

Custy, surely you are not serious about Peel? 

The big improvers appear to be Joondy with top shelf in's and Harris back at the helm, expect they will finish top 2, taking South's normal top 2 possie. Would have had EF top 4 until they got raped by the Eagles, still a strong chance of finals.

Subi has an aging list with guys 30 and over and a fair few approaching 30, but the qualities there if they can keep their best on the paddock. Giro sounds like he'll be a huge asset, tearing it up on the track and in intra club games, so if they stay fit Subi should finish top 2.

SU
Joondy

CL
SF
EF
SD

Peelmantle
SD
PTH
WCER

Nah! Just looking for a reaction. Prior to last weekend's scratchie I had West Perth as my premiership favourites but a five goals loss to Peel had me re-focus although the Falcons prime mover Black did not play! Plus a couple of weeks ago I had a good feeling about the Sharks playing finals in 2022 but losing Strnadica, Dixon and Joyce to the Eagles spoilt that!!! However I will readjust my predicted list after the scratchies