TOPIC:

So we are only 4 days from a restart to the AFL. Fair to say that nobody has any idea how the season will play out or in fact whether the footy might be bought to a stop again by a 2nd wave of COVID. Logic would say that the dominant teams of the last couple of years, Richmond, West Coast, Collingwood and GWS would be amongst the favorites to progress into the finals but there are just too many unknowns to be able to make any definitive predictions. These unknowns include:

Teams living in hubs for the first time
No crowds at games ( at least initially)
The lifting or otherwise of state borders and the impact of these on fixtures
16 minute quarters
Impact of the 3 month layoff on different teams.

Apart from the 4 teams I have mentioned, Brisbane are in a good spot because it is likely they will be based at home for most of the first half of the season and they were the most improved team last year. Other teams who may do well include the usual suspects Hawthorn and perhaps the Bombers. Geelong may struggle as their quality players are now aging. Can't see Sydney or either Adelaide team having much impact although the rather random nature of the season may throw up a few surprises. The Dockers under their new coach may cause a few upsets but I think Longmuir will need a little longer to stamp his style on the team, but it all looks positive to me at the moment.

Will be great to have some discussion about sport at last. I've had enough of corona virus and the orange moron.

At long last, finally some footy. I don’t think there will be any favourites for the flag, other than Richmond. They’ve still got a good list and will get another arm chair ride. So will Colliwobble, but I don’t think they have the talent. GWS won’t be too worried about the covid caused setup, so could go well. As for the Eagles and Dockers, who knows what the hub isolation will do? I think with the shorter season, the Dockers with their youth will go better than some think. I still maintain that there should be no flag awarded, no Sandover and no Victorian fairest and best this abbreviated year.
And I’m with you mike, talking footy again will be pleasurable.

2 days to go.

Will be great to see some live footy 58 Shark..
As far as tips are concerned I reckon
Richmond to beat Collingwood
Hawks to beat Cats
Lions to beat Dockers
Melbourne to beat Carlton
Eagles to beat Gold Coast
Power to beat Crows
GWS to beat Kangaroos
Swans to beat Bombers
Bulldogs to beat St Kilda

I really have no idea but anyone else want to have a go?

Agree with the first 6, mike. After that, you fall down badly.

I have some eggs in the fridge, in case I need to remove them on Sunday.

EDIT: sorry, make that first 7.

Eggs are for my face, if required.

Can’t argue with your picks mike. I’ll go along with those.
Great to see Harley get picked this week. Very emotional for the lad. I’ll be watching that game with high hopes for him.

Fantastic news for Harley. Fingers crossed he can get through the season without any injury issues. I'm sure Melbourne will manage him carefully but if they can get 8 quality games from him this year he will have been more than worth the investment.

How pissweak is the 16 minute quarters?
The quarters are over before you know it.
The WAFL better do away with their moronic idea to copy the afl and go back to 20 minutes plus time on before the season ever gets underway otherwise we will be going back to the pre WWI type low scoring.

Well...what a load of rubbish that was. I get it that the players have had an interrupted season but that was just a battle of the defences with little or no attractive attacking footy played. For both sides to kick 5.6 for a whole game is not going to set the footy or spectators world on fire that's for sure.

Agreed, just a load of crap. The only highlight for the night was the background noise. Was well done I thought.