AFL report cards - five weeks in
April 21st 2008 04:42
YES I know, it’s still early in the season but I decided it was time to look at how the AFL was shaping up for 2008.
Some may say it is too early to gauge how far teams have come in 08 but sometimes a month is enough – last year, six of the teams in the top 8 after four rounds played finals (Brisbane and Essendon dropped out for Collingwood and North Melbourne).
As always, several sides have exceeded expectations (Essendon, the Western Bulldogs), some are struggling (Melbourne, Fremantle, Port Adelaide) while Geelong look just about unstoppable.
But instead of over-analysing the situation, I’ve decided to give my ratings for each team in 25 words or less.
Adelaide: B
Adventurous, fast and exciting – yes, I’m talking about the Crows. The Crows are proving doubters wrong despite a lack of bigmen.
Brisbane B-
Still up and down after an inconsistent 2007. Strong up forward - Jonathon Brown, and a rehabilitated Daniel Bradshaw shining - efficient midfield but shaky backline.
Carlton: C
Over-hyped but but have finally tasted success after 14 losses. Light at the end of a very dark tunnel getting brighter. Oh, they have Chris Judd too.
Collingwood: B-
Expected challenger wobbling, with recent losses worrying. Even spread of talent but need more out of key forwards. Well coached.
Essendon: B
New coach’s fast and furious gameplan has brought its rewards but may be reason behind injury crisis. No Lucas till mid year a concern.
Fremantle: C-
Same old story. Looks great on paper, struggles on grass. Recycled players not doing enough. Staring down the barrel of anther unfulfilled season.
Geelong: A
Everyone expected their dominance to continue and it has. Depth all over the park and winning comfortably without key ruckman Ottens. Far, far ahead.
Hawthorn: A
Main challengers. They have probably exceeded their own lofty ambitions so far. Great midfield and have the game’s most exciting forward talent in Buddy Franklin.
Melbourne: D
Dear oh dear. Melbourne has sunk to new depths with no immediate lift in sight. Veterans aren’t performing. Can't seem to adapt to new coach’s gameplan.
North Melbourne: B-
Blue collar team striving to close the gap on more talented rivals. Determined to prove 2007 was no fluke. Shaky start but can challenge the big boys.
Port Adelaide: C-
Surprisingly struggling. Last year’s grand finalist has a major battle to even make the finals after horrid, if unlucky, start. Not playing bad football.
Richmond: C
Perennial struggler lifted by win two early wins. Will probably finish in bottom half but boast enigmatic Tasmanian Mathew Richardson – one of the AFL’s finest athletes.
Sydney: B
Continue to defy. Three wins and their predicted downward spiral hasn’t eventuated. Seem to be running harder and faster. Proven in finals.
St Kilda: B
Have three big power forwards capable of ripping games away from opponents. Just can’t get it to them enough. Slow midfield. At their best, could challenge.
West Coast: C-
In huge strife. Two best players have departed and unable to kick enough goals. Injury problems. Not looking strong enough to make the 8.
Western Bulldogs: A
Surprise packet. Undefeated and looking like finally taking the next step. Established stars, exciting youngsters, solid recruits and pace to burn. Watch out Cats.
Some may say it is too early to gauge how far teams have come in 08 but sometimes a month is enough – last year, six of the teams in the top 8 after four rounds played finals (Brisbane and Essendon dropped out for Collingwood and North Melbourne).
As always, several sides have exceeded expectations (Essendon, the Western Bulldogs), some are struggling (Melbourne, Fremantle, Port Adelaide) while Geelong look just about unstoppable.
But instead of over-analysing the situation, I’ve decided to give my ratings for each team in 25 words or less.
Adelaide: B
Adventurous, fast and exciting – yes, I’m talking about the Crows. The Crows are proving doubters wrong despite a lack of bigmen.
Brisbane B-
Still up and down after an inconsistent 2007. Strong up forward - Jonathon Brown, and a rehabilitated Daniel Bradshaw shining - efficient midfield but shaky backline.
Carlton: C
Over-hyped but but have finally tasted success after 14 losses. Light at the end of a very dark tunnel getting brighter. Oh, they have Chris Judd too.
Collingwood: B-
Expected challenger wobbling, with recent losses worrying. Even spread of talent but need more out of key forwards. Well coached.
Essendon: B
New coach’s fast and furious gameplan has brought its rewards but may be reason behind injury crisis. No Lucas till mid year a concern.
Fremantle: C-
Same old story. Looks great on paper, struggles on grass. Recycled players not doing enough. Staring down the barrel of anther unfulfilled season.
Geelong: A
Hawthorn: A
Main challengers. They have probably exceeded their own lofty ambitions so far. Great midfield and have the game’s most exciting forward talent in Buddy Franklin.
Melbourne: D
Dear oh dear. Melbourne has sunk to new depths with no immediate lift in sight. Veterans aren’t performing. Can't seem to adapt to new coach’s gameplan.
North Melbourne: B-
Blue collar team striving to close the gap on more talented rivals. Determined to prove 2007 was no fluke. Shaky start but can challenge the big boys.
Port Adelaide: C-
Surprisingly struggling. Last year’s grand finalist has a major battle to even make the finals after horrid, if unlucky, start. Not playing bad football.
Richmond: C
Perennial struggler lifted by win two early wins. Will probably finish in bottom half but boast enigmatic Tasmanian Mathew Richardson – one of the AFL’s finest athletes.
Sydney: B
Continue to defy. Three wins and their predicted downward spiral hasn’t eventuated. Seem to be running harder and faster. Proven in finals.
St Kilda: B
Have three big power forwards capable of ripping games away from opponents. Just can’t get it to them enough. Slow midfield. At their best, could challenge.
West Coast: C-
In huge strife. Two best players have departed and unable to kick enough goals. Injury problems. Not looking strong enough to make the 8.
Western Bulldogs: A
Surprise packet. Undefeated and looking like finally taking the next step. Established stars, exciting youngsters, solid recruits and pace to burn. Watch out Cats.
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