We were 3 games and 15% away from the 8 this year, personally I don't think we were anywhere near making the 8, considering we struggled against GC at home, then lost to Port the following weak. Reality is, by the end of the season we had fallen in a heap.
No doubt we will improve next year, but so will the sides vying for the 8. North will improve, the tigers will. Freo will have all of their players back from injury. Essendon finished 8th and they will likely improve. The saints are aging but still have many quality players on their list.
I'm optimistic about next year, but I think we'll end up just short.