Going to be an interesting c4 comp this year with a number of sides seeming to have bolstered their playing stocks over the summer.
Armadale
Have probably recruited better than anyone else and looking to make their stay in c4 no longer than 2 years. They could turn it on at times last year but consistency and (at times) pretty ordinary discipline let them down. With better depth this year and what seemed like a very comprehensive win over newly promoted Bayswater they would have to be seen as one of the favourites.
Bayswater
Their last venture into c4 was an absolute nightmare with 20+ goal hidings the norm. They do appear to have rebuilt in e grade and it is good to see them back up in the 2 team comp. Have gone quite well in the last couple of years but I feel as though 2015 will be more about finding their feet in c4 and don't expect them to be a legitimate challenger. Facing a baptism of fire from a strong Armadale side in round 1 was not the intro to c4 they were searching for.
Belmont
Will be livid after effectively kicking themselves out of last years preliminary final. A good mix of run and carry players and powerful forwards with a very good colts side backing them up for the past 2 years. Are flag favourites for good reason and will be hard to beat.
Cobras
Mixed 2014 for the boys from Davilak. Early season form was very promising with some good wins and by all accounts very good performances but towards the end of the season seemed to be on the end of a few hidings. Like Armadale they have recruited good numbers from nearby clubs and could certainly be a dark horse.
Expect them to challenge for a finals berth.
Cottesloe
2014 ticked all the boxes for the club with the million dollar views but the third world facilities. Started the year very well, going undefeated until almost the mid point of the season until they seemed to drop off quite a bit. Played their small ground very well and had a good mix of quick players and some bigger bodies in their forward line. Like a few others they have recruited well and with another year to gel as a team could be a legitimate contender.
Jandakot
2014 was a year to forget for Jandakot, never really in it and comprehensively thumped by every other side in the competition. To their credit they had strong colts and reserves sides backing them up which should pay dividends in 2015. A coaching personnel change and a big preseason may be just the ticket to trigger a big improvement in 2015 by the Jets.
While I wouldn't tip them as a flag contender I do believe they will improve drastically and will definitely be in the mix for a finals spot come seasons end. While an 8 goal loss to start the season certainly isn't ideal, this was against the flag favourites and is a noticeable improvement on what was dished up last year.
Kwinana
Had a rough inaugural year in amateurs after being dominant in the Mercantile comp for a number of years. Opened their 2015 account with an annihilation of a hapless Safety Bay which will certainly boost confidence down at Medina. Should have found their feet now in amateurs and would expect them to have a better year this year, a finals berth is not out of the question.
Nollamara
The less said about 2014 for the boys from Nolla the better. An absolute nightmare of a year compounded with winning the wooden spoon in e1 and a pretty bleak outlook for the club. Have recruited very well to the point that they have been able to nominate 2 teams and return to C4. Hopefully the well documented disciplinary issues that have plagued the club for years have finally gone.
Very much the dark horse of this competition and could finish just about anywhere.
Osborne Park
I expected Osborne Park to be a real threat for the flag last year but it just didn't seem to click for them. Have a very well rounded side and great depth with their reserves winning the flag last year. Have again recruited well and anything less than a deep venture into finals this year would be a failure.
Rossmoyne
Very disappointing year from them last year after absolutely dominating the lower grades for a number of years. They were tough to beat and very competitive but just seemed to lack that killer instinct to win games. Another side that appear to have recruited quite well which should add some severely lacking depth to their side. Like Jandakot, I expect them to improve and would be another outside chance to jag a finals berth.
Safety Bay
As I'm sure Rossmoyne will tell you c4 isn't quite as easy as e1 and boy would the stingers have found that out today. They were a force last year but the jump up in grades coupled with an exodus of players looks to have really crippled them.
A 100 point loss is never a nice way to open your season and for their sake I hope they can get it together.
My Ladder for 2015
Belmont
Armadale
Osborne Park
Cottesloe
Cobras
Kwinana
Rossmoyne
Jandakot
Nollamara
Bayswater
Safety Bay
