by Dutchy » Tue Mar 05, 2019 11:18 am
5 clubs under the most pressure, no particular order -
Essendon - haven't won a final for 15 years, haven't finished higher than 7th since 2002, getting a bit of Richmond about them, have had clear air from the drug scandal for a few years now and have all the resources and recruiting they need to be successful, anything less than making the 2nd week of the finals would be a failure IMO
Port - Have become your classic 6-12th team under Ken, can play some great and poor footy from week to week but end up mid table, 3 finals campaigns in the last 11 years puts pressure on the whole club and a poor off season will test their metal, I think it is fascinating how this one plays out, could be the making of Ken or the finish of him.
Brisbane - with their best result in the last 9 years being a 12th in 2013 they really need to start performing, have had a little longer than their fellow cellar dwellers to put together a good young talented list with some sound recruiting, they need to push up this year with anything less than a 10th position a failure IMO, reckon they could surprise for a long way in 2019 and drop off late in the season
Freo - They need some more patience and will probably get it as it wasn't that long ago they had a genuine crack at a flag, but they need to show something in 2019 after 3 poor years, not a finals spot but they need to threaten at some stage and finish in the 8th-11th range, especially with their home ground advantage. The most interesting thing will be to see if some kids can really come on under Ross, not his strong suit but a huge challenge for him.
Carlton - Not much commentary needed here, we all know their situation, again this will be fascinating to see how this one plays out, need 8+ wins to get some momentum and head forward into 2020 and beyond, Im not convinced they will do it though.