Incoming captain Brad Johnson had a remarkable ’06. Meanwhile, perpetually injured outgoing captain Luke Darcy is remarkable for the fact that he keeps turning up, even though he’s only managed a handful of games over the last two years. Robert Murphy is back and they’ve got the added magic of Ackers. The Bullies are on the up, no doubt about that. Look for a big run home, because they have every game between rounds 14 and 19 at Telstra Dome – six in a row. Definite top-four material.

The Dees still have the potential to shake up the competition, and the elevation of exciting young Brock McLean, 20, to the leadership group might cause even further improvement in an already formidable prospect. There’s plenty of other interest around the place, like David Neitz’s run at the club’s most-games record and Adem Yze’s attempt to break Jimmy Stynes’ consecutive-games record. Sometimes, it seems they’ve everything except the selfbelief. They really must pull off something big this year. It would be a shame to see the Reverend Daniher sacked.

The dark horses. Might Matthew Pavilch, the new captain, be holding aloft the premiership cup? Last year, we mentioned the presence of assistant coach Mark Harvey as a “cuckoo in the nest.” Coach Chris Connolly must be happy with last year’s improvement under his new coaching team, but on some level, there must be some unease percolating. They should easily win their requisite 12 games to make the eight and, judging from last year’s improvement, might be the big mover. It’s difficult to say whether new recruits Chris Tarrant and Dean Solomon will be assets. Certainly, Tarrant is ensconced in a fine forward structure with Jeff Farmer, Matthew Pavlich and Ryan Murphy. Paul Hasleby has overcome osteitis pubis and should be a midfield force this year. The only thing that’ll keep them from top contention is a very difficult, itinerant itinerary.

New coach Ross Lyon is an unknown quantity at this level, but his determination to have a strong ruck department shows a will to bolster the team’s ball-getting capacity. Justin Koschitzke has put his hand up, but Lyon is likely to play him at centre half-back, with Gardiner and the comebacking Matthew Clarke from Adelaide taking on the primary ruck roles. The wayward Gardiner, who needs a solid fitness base, will test Lyons’ diplomatic skills. The Saints will slip a little under their new coach, but will still be thereabouts due to their undoubted talent and finals experience.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Next >>