While I agree with most of what you said, I disagree slightly with these two points.
I expect us to do very well with the rising star next year. Players who I think will qualify and should stand a good chance of a nomination would be Watts, Strauss, Marric (?), Grimes (?), Trengove, Scully, possibly Blease and our pick 18. As for winning the rising star, I don't care but I do expect most of the players named to play well enough at times to give a nomination a fair crack.
I also think we will start the season better than we will end it, depending of course on the FIXture. I'll be disappointed with any less than 8 wins, though aknowledging injuries will be a factor. We will probably have the leagues youngest list next year so I would expect them to tire a bit as the season goes on.