Continuing on from last weeks “where your team will finish” before we look at this weekends opening round. 

8^th – Carlton  This could be the year of Bryce Gibbs.  If he and the other kids from the Blues can kick on and handle the pressure the carlton can make the finals.  Insiders tell me the club is looking at 2011 and 2012 to win their next Premiership. 

7^th – Richmond  The Tigers should not finish 9^th this year but cannot rely on Ben Cousins and Richo alone.  Nathan Brown should be better and Richmond can rely on Chris Newman in defence.  The mid range players need to step up and be more consistent. 

6^th – Brisbane Don’t ask me why but I expect the Lions under new coach Michael Voss to be a surprise packet.  Apparently the player are re-invigorated under Voss and will give an extra few % this season.  The key is keeping Jonathan Brown fit and kicking goals as they have enough others up forward to kick winning scores. 

5^th – Western Bulldogs  Another season of great promise from the Western Suburbs team but not enough guns to really trouble the top 4 teams.  Need a 100 goal a season forward. 

4^th – Collingwood  Like the Bulldogs the ‘Pies really need a gun forward to make their season.  They have oodles of runners and a pretty good defence but I cannot see where the goals are coming from against the top 3.  Still we can look forward to seeing Collingwood lose another finals game. 

3^rd – Hawthorn  A hang over season for the Hawks but they will still be in the thick of September action.  President Kennett needs the smirk wiped off his face quick smart.  Will start the season with plenty of injured unavailable but will get stronger as the season progresses. 

2^nd – Geelong  The Cats will be keen to make amends for season 2008, a year in which they should have put back to back flags together.  So consider trying to win three in a row and you will see why the Cats fall over in the Grand Final again. 

Premiers – St. Kilda  Now that you have stopped laughing and have regained purchase of your chair (and my senses) put together a tight defence, an adequate mid field with a forward line more potent than a funnel web spider and you have a successful recipe for a flag.  This will be the year that the Saints will shed their losers tag.  If they do not win the flag they will finish close and the coach who should have got the sack last year will be a hero. 

By the time you read this the first game of the round/season will be over so you will all know the Richmond won.  Cousins best on ground and Judd out with a collar bone break. 

In a reply of last years G.F. Hawthorn will unfurl the flag and Geelong will watch on.  When the game commences the Hawks will be ahrd at the ball but will not have enough stars to maintain the rage.  Geelong looks stronger at this point so should start the season with a win. 

Collingwood host Adelaide who are slow starters and Collingwood will rack up win number one. 

Brisbane should have too much class for the still rebuilding West Coast and given it is played in Brisbane should have a comfortable win in the opener. 

St. Kilda should absolutely spank Sydney and be on top of the log (a bit of Sith Ifrican there) from season start. 

You will think a A League is still in progress in what will be a yawn fest when Melbourne and the North Melbourne teams meet.  This will be played in front of the lowest crowd of the entire season and holds little interest to anyone.  North Melbourne just. 

Essendon to put further gloom in the Port Adelaide minds with an upset when in Adelaide. 

Fremantle have a chance to boost their membership with a win over Western Bulldogs at the Snake Pit.