The last couple of years has seen the ladder quite stable after Round 7, hardly changing for the year, with the only exception being Port, who fell away badly.

Having said that, our 1st 7 games appear quite a challenge. Swans, Hawks, Lions, Suns, West Coast, Crows and Roos.

If there's going to be a legitimate challenge this year, you'd love to have the team in at 5 - 2 or least 4 - 3 as some players come back and others gain momentum.

Sunday should be great day and even better if we can get over the Swannies, who I really, really, rate.

I'd be hoping to be 3 & 3 @ the worst. I think that would be a good launch pad.

Just breezing through the fixture, I think we could Win about, 10 - 11 games, for the season. I don't see too many more this Year.

I rate the swans, but like most of us, I was there last year when they had something to play for, and we were only jut staying alive... And they were slaughtered. Not that much has changed between both sides. Im picking us and am moderately confident. I'm also glad we get them at the g. Up north, I pick them.

This kind of thread goes into dangerous 'overthinking results' territory.

I'm convinced that one of the curses of the Daniher era was the club starting to think too much about 'if we win these games we can be top 4' kind of things. Hence, long winning streaks and long losing streaks driven by roller-coaster morale.

Anyway, the chance is there to be 6 wins, 0 losses. None of those games are beyond a reasonable shot of winning. (unless you're on the "Franklin, Rioli and Hodge are my man crushes so obviously Hawthorn will be great even though they have no depth, versatility or defence" bandwagon.)

If we are 6-0, great shot at the 40,000 members, and you can bank on the consecutive friday nights v Carlton then Essendon, followed by thr Queens Birthday game, having one hell of an atmosphere!

Depends what the scores are. If we are 3/3 but are within 2 goals in the losses then I would be happy.

If we win 3 but get absolutely thrashed when we lose then I would not be happy.

As long as we are competitive, that is the key. Reading in another thread that we did not lose a match by more than 10 goals last year was pleasing. And we had fewer losses over 40 points. If this can continue to decrease, while our wins and % keep increasing, is it a good thing.

Having said that, our 1st 7 games appear quite a challenge. Swans, Hawks, Lions, Suns, West Coast, Crows and Roos.

Could you imagine a better draw in the first 7 rounds?? This is a dream for us. If we botch this it will stuff our season.

That's why I am peeved with our pre-season. I wanted to hit the ground running. We have been training for 5 months!!!! You reckon we might have perfected the zone and kick-ins. Look how the scum have transformed their game under golden balls. They have a cr*p draw but we could be flying if we get it right.

We are a younger list this year and with that will come good performances and bad performances. There is potential for the odd blowout if the younger players get steam rolled in the midfield.

While the season starts proper this week and practice match form is practice, there are some warning bells.

after our first 8 games we will be 6-2

Could you imagine a better draw in the first 7 rounds?? This is a dream for us. If we botch this it will stuff our season.

That's why I am peeved with our pre-season. I wanted to hit the ground running. We have been training for 5 months!!!! You reckon we might have perfected the zone and kick-ins. Look how the scum have transformed their game under golden balls. They have a cr*p draw but we could be flying if we get it right.

Better? Not sure - I reckon tricky. So many unknowns from the other teams and I agree with Rhino about some warning bells. Hope I'm weeellll off the track.....

Could you imagine a better draw in the first 7 rounds?? This is a dream for us. If we botch this it will stuff our season.

That's why I am peeved with our pre-season. I wanted to hit the ground running. We have been training for 5 months!!!! You reckon we might have perfected the zone and kick-ins. Look how the scum have transformed their game under golden balls. They have a cr*p draw but we could be flying if we get it right.

I think we will. I think we've 'Managed', our preseason, pretty well. I think when we put our full team out there, we will see our teamwork show. It's just a pity that we've lost Frawley, McKenzie & Morton for the first couple of weels.

This loss of experience may hinder us a little.

I believe Dunn will take the field. Gut feel.

after our first 8 games we will be 6-2

like to hear from you in early May