We're now at what is perhaps my favourite part of the football season. The Nines are done, the trials are finished and the season is about to begin. Now its a blank page, with the great stories about to be written, Over the course of the next eight months we will see legends born, fall, we will be surprised with how well (or poorly) some teams do, and perhaps see a new champion crowned.
The season may end in disappointment, but it begins with hope and optimism. Best of all, win or lose our team is running around again.
Super Rugby
The Hurricanes started their title defense with a 83-17 win over the Japanese based Sunwolves in the Super Rugby. There's certainly no pleasure in seeing a scoreline like that, and it does spell a warning about the competitions future. I'd predict the Hurricanes make the finals, and they are a good chance to go back-to-back.
NRL
In the NRL, the Warriors will begin the season by hosting the Newcastle Knights next Sunday 5 March. My prediction is that we'll finish ninth. Foran needs time to settle into the team. We need to start winning most of our home games, and more consistency in our performances. The team needs to stop giving up leads, and beating the team below us on the ladder. If the team can do that, we may just end up in the eight.
For the record, my top eight (not in order): Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Penrith, North Queensland, Cronulla, Sydney City.
AFL
The Women's AFL Season is almost half gone with Brisbane and Adelaide as the top two (both undefeated, Adelaide play Fremantle to finish the round). I was not expecting this.. so we'll see how it develops.
The Men's Competition is a little further away, with the season beginning on the second last weekend in March. The Swans host Port Adelaide. I feel the Swans should again be top four. The Giants are favourites. It will be interesting seeing how they go as the hunted rather than a hunter.
My top eight, (not in order): GWS, Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, Hawthorn, Geelong, West Coast, Melbourne.
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