Esteban Vihaio wrote:This and next week's ladder are a better indication of the competition than at the end of the minor round due to the logic applied to the draw. 5 sides have now played all teams exactly once and after next week it will be the other ten.
Surprises:
- Morphett Vale's quick return to one of elite sides of the comp after missing the finals in 2012
- Morphetville Park's continued rise to become an elite side. Is that well endless?
- Even with a horror season (by their lofty standards) Brighton is still in the eight and probably deserve a finals spot. But with a tough final four games, they will need to earn it
- The rise in fortunes at the beach
- Cove's lacklustre year
- Flagstaff's even more lacklustre year. Shouldn't their junior program being paying dividends in the late game by now?
Not a surprise:
- Hackham's continued improvement. Still a long road ahead to making the top 8. After this week, they will likely be 3 games plus significant percentage outside the 8 and that's playing one more game.... Or will they?
Pretty good wrap there EV.
Agree with most of those. Hackham improvement has still surprised me. Be interesting to see if they continue the rise. IMO, if an opposition pays respect and stops their quality players (same 3ish every week), it will expose the bottom end of the squad. Marty will be aware of that though.
The Winies window is well and truly back open. A great mix of quality and kids has them right in it.
As much as MVale will have a crack this year, they will be well positioned to be a powerhouse in the next 2 or 3. For the first time, they could be in a position to top up their $quad with a recruit or 2.
Cove have been unlucky. Still a quality side on their day, they've lost a couple of close ones and find themselves battling for the 8. Possibly could be playing Porties in the last round to see who makes the 8.
M Park's best is still the biggest danger to the valley, Noarlunga still dangerous with a full side on the park, and Christies have improved, but the long season starting to take its toll with a couple of beltings in recent weeks.
Flaggies have been very disappointing and Brighton have toiled away with an inferior squad this year.
Edwardstown are the team no one talks about, and whilst not convinced they can get to the big dance, the big ovals in the finals will suit their game.
Don't know enough about Sharkies, Lonsdale or Marion, but it looks like they all will struggle for a while yet.
But The valley are the obvious benchmark. Fast, strong, fit, and confident. Ill tip them to beat the twisties by 5-7 goals in the big one.
