BC wrote: Given we're roughly half way through the season I'd be interested getting poster's views on how clubs are going. here's mine....
Swans (A) - I think most pundits were of the view that Swans would finish in the bottom half but they're really performed well. the challenge will be not to drop off in the second half of the season.
Subi (B+) - like Swans most thought Subi would be around positions 5 - 8 but due to a terrific start they aren't too far off cementing a finals berth.
EF (B-) - Lost quite a few AFL aligned players over the summer to other clubs but have being two games clear in the four think they've punched abover their weight. Have a few returning from injury so may consolidate even further.
EP (C+) - Given their number of AFL players, access to high performance coaches and technology the WART should realistically only dropped one or two games. the other variable will be who will WCE make available for the finals and how dedicated will those players be to winning a flag for EP?
WP (C-) - On the back of last years flag I think most tipsters had them top 2 this year but from mine have underperformed.
P (D+) - I think comments on the Perth thread sum up their season. Promises a lot but delivers sporadically. Perth needs to be more consistent and that probably starts at the top.
SF (D+) - Rebuilding and isn't the worst going around but the doggies needs to build on their successful colts teams from the last couple of years if they want to be a future contender.
Cl (D) - Lost a lot of talent after being unbeatable for several years but I have no doubt they'll rebound in the not too distant future. The club seems to be heading in the right direction with the ground redevelopment.
Peel (F) - No comment necessary.
Would agree with most of your assessment here BC. The overwhelming feeling that I have at this stage of the season is one of disappointment that the battle for the top 4 seems to be down to 5 teams at this stage of the season, barring some amazing turnaround by one of the bottom 4 with a mathematical chance. I am thinking particularly of Perth and South Fremantle who promised much improvement pre-season and have a reasonable group of players but have delivered very little for their supporters. These two teams should be up there challenging for finals spots and if they were, there would be more interest in the 2nd half of the season.
Claremont are rebuilding after a sustained period of success, so I think it is understandable that they have bottomed out. As for Peel, like others, I have no idea what to make of them. They have so many good footballers but they are caught between the need to win and the need to play the Dockers system. Its a mess really.
My view is that the top 4 will stay as it is with East Perth a runaway top and the order of 2nd -4th the only interest.
