AFL - Season Preview

The AFL has some similarities with the Rugby League this year with the premiers looming as nearly unbeatable propositions. The Geelong Cats rewrote the history books by destroying their opposition in last years Grand Final. The outfit is pretty much unchanged and it's not a particular old list so as scary as it may sound, they could be better than they were last year. You can get a little better than $3.00 or 2/1 in the old language and there are many smarties that think this is a great price.

The Port Adelaide Power who was on the other end of the demolition in the Grand Final may find it hard to shake the nightmare that they endured late last September.

The team that should prove to be the biggest threat to the Cats are the St Kilda Saints. It's the second year for their new coach who is more than capable of delivering to their long over due fans. They have a super line up of experience and youth and the key leadership group will drive the team on to an excellent year. You might have missed the 12/1 that you could get earlier on in the year but they still offer excellent value at 8/1.

The teams from the west should be the best of the interstate teams. Fremantle, after hiring a proper coach and sticking by a talented group of players, will improve from a disastrous year last year after eventually getting it right the year before. The West Coast Eagles have lost some serious talent but in reality didn't have their best team out on the field at all last year. Mid way through last year they were still short favourites to win the comp and they lost two very close finals that they should have won. So taking all this into account I think at around the 15/1 mark they offer great value.

The city of Melbourne's best chance of winning the flag this year lies with Collingwood and Hawthorn. It is easy to make cases for both of these sides. They have great young talent and can improve after good years last year. The big problem with these sides is that they could make the grand final or just as easily miss the finals altogether. Good value for both at around 10/1 if and only IF they get it right but you could be wiping egg of your face early in the season if the wheels fall off.

Then a market that we all like to bet on but no one likes to win is the wooden spoon. Basically the Richmond Tigers and the Melbourne Demons are the two early favourites. I think Richmond is better than they look and have some handy strength in the midfield. I am hoping that they can kick enough goals to miss the shame of the spoon this year. The value is the Essendon Bombers. They have potentially the weakest list in the competition and even though they have match winners up front they may struggle getting it anywhere near Lucas and Lloyd. The Kangaroos are always a chance at good odds but basically I will be taking the Demons and the Bombers.

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