Top 5 for 2018
Lockleys is the the team to beat. They have been around the mark for a while now and have the depth many clubs can only dream of in div5. They have kept the nucleus from the side from the last couple of years and added some more quality. A well coached and drilled team. This could be the year they finally make the big dance and a dominant season from the demons would not surprise anyone. A lock for the double chance.
CBOC arguably were the second best side last year and would be disappointed not to have made their way out of Div5. Under fist year coach last year and with some exciting recruits CBOC were a formidable outfit at their best. One would expect further improvement with another preseason under the guidance of the coaching group and with further quality players added to what was a deep and even playing list CBOC sit at the pointy end of the ladder again in 2018. Top 3 would be the minimum expectation and we all know anything can happen from there.
BOS are for me the biggest unknown. As with Lockleys, BOS could easily have been promoted over the last few years with a couple of dominant seasons had. Last year might have been slightly below par but some added depth was a real positive. With a new coach coming from Div1 I expect BOS to be the best drilled team and have team structures rarely seen at this level. If they are able to acquire even a few players with the coach they could do some serious damage and take the big step in finals type footy. Finals is a sure thing but the sky is the limit.
Pulteney will be looking to continue their improvement after what was a dominant display in Div6 last year. However some key players from last year not available again could prove costly. With a couple of decent additions to the playing group taking time to gel might mean a slow start. If previous seasons are any indication depth shouldn't be an issue. Last year saw them catch sides out with their game style however this year will be a significant improvement in quality opposition. Finals footy or fail.
Smithfield are the sleeping giant make no mistake. Anything is possible with this mob after racing up the grades they were found out last year after losing some key personal. If they are able to gain some of those blokes back for 2018 then lookout. Always a formidable outfit at home they should be looking to all games out there which in turn sees them right around the mark with a few wins on the road. Top end talent will take them along way but depth could be the issue. Finals looks likely.
Woodville South
Hope Valley
Hectorville
Ingle Farm
Kenilworth
Good luck to all teams for 2018 I'll be keeping a close eye on Div5 with no involvement at any club this year I look forward to watching and enjoying footy