You're kidding right that if Danger doesn't play midfield that Geelong may miss the 8. There is more than enough class in the rest of the midfield with Selwood and Duncan and depending on how they use Higgins and Smith to make up for that and not to mention they have way to much class down forward or down back to more than make up for any deficiency in their midfield if Danger plays mostly forward or misses any games through injury.

But it also isn't that surprising as you have tended to always under-estimate the cats in your pre-season predictions.

I honestly don't remember making that many preseason predictions here but hey I could be wrong. It doesn't help that when preseason prediction time comes around, the last games played are usually finals where the elite coach Chris Scott plays games with no ruckmen, his AA fullback on a wing etc...

All those players you name are on the wrong side of 30 (Duncan will be in June) and with the new rules pace could end up being more of a factor, which someone like Selwood, as good as he has been, isn't exactly renowned for.

Will Geelong miss the 8? Probably not. But out of that top 5 team tier (WCE, RICH, PORT, BRIS, GEE) I think they are easily the team most likely to slide this year specifically.

Well with Geelong as we saw last year they are so well set up at the back that when they get possession they just control the footy through the half back and centre of the field and then pull the trigger when there is an opening of a Hawkins or Rohan on the lead - so they aren't a big midfield running team anyway and now with Cameron as a target it increases the effect of that strategy as they can sit back and slowly bring the opposition defence close or out of its 50 to then boot it long to Hawkins one on one or indeed Cameron on a lead.

My futures bets to keep season interesting:
Adelaide wooden spoon +400
Essendon Top 8 +450
GC vs Hawthorn final ladder position -120

Crows spoon odds insane imo they were clearly the worst team last year despite the similar W/L records at the bottom. I'm an Essendon supporter so that's prob wishful thinking more than anything but think they're a little better than they've shown. GC vs Hawks is basically just about adding a bit of spice to a team I love to watch and one I love to hate. That it seems great value is just a bonus.

FOOTYS BACK

1st half. Dangerfield forward Cats down by 38

2nd half. Dangerfield midfield Cats lose game but +26 for half

It's almost like a slow midfield is bad

Also my comment RE: Scott is a FPS nuffie justified with AA fullback Blicavs spending time in the ruck and Taylor Walker kicking five goals

Cats lost that game like they lose every game against lower placed teams or teams not expected to do well because they take them for granted and start slow when they don't begin until the 2nd half. It has been happening long before Danger arrived at the club and my main criticism of Scott that he doesn't get his team up for the start of a game and if he doesn't get them to the GF he's gone.

Team selection was also poor leaving both Tuohy and Jack Henry out.

Not to mention there was no change all game on Tex (well at least by the 4th quarter) and he'd kicked 5 goals at that stage.

Well that second half by Essendon couldn't possibly have been worse

Suns looked like they were in for a shout against the Eagles today but for the injury to Rowell.

I have to say while there were a few out for West Coast that was a very satisfying win today. Especially to see how well they went without Danger and finally having a 2nd target up forward to kick to in Cameron.

i know this is mainly an AFL thread but very moving scenes on Saturday night in the Roosters dressing room when Brett Morris realised he'd done his ACL and that his career might well be over

the past two seasons have been gutting as a Roosters fan - two ACLs plus a load of concussions last season and then this year, three key players have been lost to the season with ACLs, our best forward hasn't played yet and won't for at least another month due to concussions, plus our club captain has had to retire.

silver lining has been Sam Walker (and I honestly don't think I've ever been as excited about an 18 yr old man in my life) but it's gut wrenching to see a grand final level roster get decimated two years in succession

if we can somehow keep them all on the park next season we'll have a good chance...albeit Penrith and Melbourne are at least as well set up as we are

NRL is becoming a little like the EPL. 4/5 dominant teams, a middle tier and then a group playing to avoid coming bottom

Disappointed to know you're a roosters fan as a souths fan but yeah not good to possibly end your career with an ACL injury.

It's time to look now at the season as it well past the halfway point. It is looking like a battle between 3 for the flag - Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and Geelong.

I'd have put Geelong in front clearly if it wasn't for Cameron's injury and the uncertainty of when he'll be back before the finals but even without Cameron I think Geelong are still probably the team to beat with their defence and being able to grind opponents into the ground.

Now that Brisbane are out with Hipwood's injury and I was predicting a lions/cats final, this is giving Chris Scott the perfect opportunity to save his coaching skin for another 3 to 4 years if he wins the flag this year.

it's rare to meet a Souths fan who isn't in prison. congratulations on bucking the trend

Really happy with that win over Fremantle. We've taken top spot as well for the time being until the demons play. Definitely West Coast would be happy as well. Interesting battle it will be for 7th and 8th as up to 8 teams are in with a chance.