by SFL Addict » Fri Apr 09, 2010 3:31 pm
As round 1 is just around the corner, I'll make some predictions for season 2010.
Ladder:
Morphett Vale: The benchmark of the competition and with some quality ins will again take out the premiership in 2010. The recent lost of Craig Smith will leave a hole down back, but one they no doubt will be able to cover.
Brighton: Will be the big improvers this year, and anything less than a GF appearance (and win) should be seen as a massive failure down at Bomberland. Quality recruits up forward should be the final piece in the puzzle.
Reynella: Will again be around the mark. With the additions of Ware, Billings and co they will be hoping to go one better than last year, but unfortunately I think they'll miss out on the grand prize once again.
Cove: Will improve from last year as the GF hangover has well and truely worn off. Have the talent to push the whole way if the passion and desire is back.
Happy Valley: Made the prelim last year and have improved their list. Can't see them being serious contenders for the flag but will trouble some of the teams in the top 4. Scott Mackenzie the key.
Marion: With all the talk of recruits anything less than a top 6 finish should be considered a wasted season. May take the new boys a while to gel but should improve as the season wears on. The fitness of Brad Smith and the availability of Wes Bilney will determine the Rams fortunes.
Noarlunga: As above with Marion. After missing the finals last year will be desperate to give them a real shake this year. Will have a forward target with the recruitment of Matt Golding and should get some good footy out of the other Edwardstown recruits.
Port Noarlunga: Losing their best player in Travis Tedmanson will hurt them greatly, but adversity always seems to get the Cockledivers up and running. Im tipping them to over-achieve with their current list and just sneak into the 8.
Morphy Parks: Early season concerns with very few numbers out at pre-season could come back to bite them in the butt later in the season. A couple of outs and losing last years mail medalist will be a massive blow. Have a height advantage over a lot of sides and could trouble a couple of sides further up the ladder when conditions suit.
Flagstaff Hill: The loss of their best player in Daniel Butcher will leave a massive whole in their forward line. Never been noted to kick big scores and his depature will only compound this. Will be young again but have to step up eventually. Unfortunately I can't see this year being the year for the Falcons.
Edwardstown: Giving Golding the flick could end up being Edwardstown's biggest regret. This decision has lead to a mass exodus, but they will be hoping depth in the B grade can cover some of the loses. Proud club, but can only see them slipping from 2009 performances.
Chrisites Beach: Its been very quiet from the Christies Beach camp since the end of 2009. Can see them being around the same quality as last year but a tougher draw will see them slide on the ladder.
OSB: Have a quality in with the return of Ashley Baxter from South and from all reports the club has enjoyed a solid pre season workout. Have a few guns in Ash Baxter and Gary Dean, but overall the quality isn't there and the lack of depth throughout the B grade will mean a longer year if injuries hit.
Hackham: Will enjoy their first multiple win season in many, many years. I believe they will only beat Aldinga twice but will push OSB on the occasions when they meet. Their two best players in Blake Mosar (if still there) and Matt Paine will need some more help if they are to be competitve against other opposition.
Aldinga: Will be a very, very long year for the Sharks starting this week. Unfortunately with numbers already sparse and the addition of some mammoth beatings, I can see the possibility of the side being pulled mid season. The loss of 3 of their shining lights in Scott March, Scott Hunt and Liam Shrive, and with no quality additions with see enthusiasm and excitement levels drop off very quickly at Shark Park.
2010 Mail Medalist: Brayden Bayley (MV)
