Franklin

[powersuperkents]

How amazing were GWS though? Treloar, Ward, Shaw, Hunt, Patton, Whitfield (did you see that final goal), Greene, Cameron, Coniglio, Hampton and others. They were fantastic, same goes for GCS tonight, watched all three games live in full and what I got from it is Collingwood won't make the 8 and will struggle to even compete for a spot (during the 3rd quarter a commentator compared they way the were being dominated to the Dees thrashing last season) and GCS & GWS are going to be incredibly dangerous competitors in the coming years. I'm also starting to think Richmond fluked it last year. They came 12th in 2012 and then jumped to 5th in 2013. I'm not saying they are bad but people made the same calls about Carlton being a grand final competitor one season a few years ago and they finished 7th. I honestly can't see them winning a premiership ever, even with their team now they took a step backwards recruiting Bansfield, Thomas, Knights, Petterd etc. and I think they'll end up being perennials like Carlton. Strong team but I can't see them making the top 4 (but I will acknowledge that they could easily prove me wrong (like Carlton they do have the talent pool) but they were dominated by the Suns and only survived because the Gold Coast continually missed shots (something I'm sure they'll work on). So far though this has been an amazing opening round, easily the best in my opinion, we've seen the most hated team collapse (although it was foreseeable after their finals exit last season), the first side to stake their claim to the flag (and I think Freo will win it this season) and two underdogs bringing down last years 4th & 5th (7th after finals) :) and especially the fact that the youngest club in the AFL defeated their rivals. If Port beat Carlton tomorrow I'll be completely satisfied (worried with the game being at Etihad but I've never said my team won't win  ;) I genuinely believed they would beat Collingwood, then Geelong, then Hawthorn & then Freo in the finals last year)

I agree i dobt think.you can say freo with a lot of what you said but i dont think you can say that freo will win the flag after seeing them beat a horrible collingwood team. Wait until you see the hawks and eagles play first.

Are Eagles really going to be that good? I think people have definitely hyped up the Crows (they won't make the 8 in my opinion, they only have Danger & Crouch (and we don't yet know what could become of him after one season). So far I'm holding the opinion people are hyping the Eagles up to, I know they are a potential top 8 contender (I believe they'll most likely make it as well) but I don't believe they'll be in contention for the GF. I honestly think Port has a much better chance at the top 4 than the Eagles. Hawks are definitely the other favourite though as well as the Dockers and the Swans. Geelong will have a slow start due to injuries but as long as they make the 8 they'll be a favourite as well. I think GCS could make the 8 as well. Analysts are tipping North Melbourne for a top 4 finish. It this to initiate controversy because I doubt they'll even be in the top 8? What is Simpson doing at the Eagles to bring them back to their 2011-12 form? I know Nic Nat & Hurn's injuries and Selwood's monthly disappearance hindered them last season but the Lions were more likely to make the 8 last year anyway.

[DT Gun]

Eagles are injury free pretty much and havent been since 2012

Also Ellis will be perfect replacement for Waters on HBF so those 2 injury prone blokes can rotate on and off the field as they get hurt

Midfield is still young and maturing aswell Shuey gaff masten selwood etc

[owenbond007]

A lot of people have short memories of buddies brilliance in DT. Was less than 2 years ago buddy13 broke the record and scored a amazing 200+ points.

His only 26 and will be entering the prime of his physical abilities. Im hearing a lot of buddys done and his career is over bs. His got 9 seasons left on his contract.

I just think there is a lot of disgruntled hawk supporters and media outlets jumping on the bash buddy bandwagon.

[DT Gun]

the game is not as open and free flowing as it was 2 years ago.

Its all forward press zones etc.

So most of the time buddy will be trying to catch the ball thru a zone

The days of the key position forward are over for dt

only viable option is Roo cos he gets so many marks up the ground n also floats back a bit

[powersuperkents]

A lot of people have short memories of buddies brilliance in DT. Was less than 2 years ago buddy13 broke the record and scored a amazing 200+ points.

His only 26 and will be entering the prime of his physical abilities. Im hearing a lot of buddys done and his career is over bs. His got 9 seasons left on his contract.

I just think there is a lot of disgruntled hawk supporters and media outlets jumping on the bash buddy bandwagon.

He may become a better player on the field for Swans but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be a good DT pick. My prediction is he's going to fall hard. Just too much pressure on him and losing to GWS in your debut for a team that lost the COLA and provided a record contract to obtain you is the worst start imaginable. Especially the fact he only scored 1 goal against the team he turned down, who proved they didn't need him (every GWS key forward was better than him that game). I honestly think if you want a Swan forward get T Mitch or Parker, if you want a key forward you're better off picking Tippett   

[Ricochet]

A lot of people have short memories of buddies brilliance in DT. Was less than 2 years ago buddy13 broke the record and scored a amazing 200+ points.

His only 26 and will be entering the prime of his physical abilities. Im hearing a lot of buddys done and his career is over bs. His got 9 seasons left on his contract.

I just think there is a lot of disgruntled hawk supporters and media outlets jumping on the bash buddy bandwagon.

[Mavro88]

frankilin isnt good enough atm or consistent enough to be in dream team this year.. while swans trying to work there shower out who plays where,, Id probably more consider him next year

[henry]

I seriously think buddy has passed his best, basically not through his own fault but the way the game has changed. I think he will still contribute at a higher level, once he settles into his new team but I don't think he will ever get back to his magnificent best of 08.

[Toga]

Glad I decided to not jump on him this week, hardly saw him at all.

He'll probably do a bit better as the season goes on and as the team regains blokes like Tippett, Goodes.

[elephants]

A lot of people have short memories of buddies brilliance in DT. Was less than 2 years ago buddy13 broke the record and scored a amazing 200+ points.

His only 26 and will be entering the prime of his physical abilities. Im hearing a lot of buddys done and his career is over bs. His got 9 seasons left on his contract.

I just think there is a lot of disgruntled hawk supporters and media outlets jumping on the bash buddy bandwagon.

[Nige]

I seriously think buddy has passed his best, basically not through his own fault but the way the game has changed. I think he will still contribute at a higher level, once he settles into his new team but I don't think he will ever get back to his magnificent best of 08.

Matthew Lloyd said the same thing on the Sunday Footy Show, and I agree as well.

[powersuperkents]

I seriously think buddy has passed his best, basically not through his own fault but the way the game has changed. I think he will still contribute at a higher level, once he settles into his new team but I don't think he will ever get back to his magnificent best of 08.

Matthew Lloyd said the same thing on the Sunday Footy Show, and I agree as well.

haha also look at the different in his scoring, two years ago 13 goals mean't 200 points for him, last year 8 goals only meant 120 points. With that being said rule changes are hindering him

[pommyadam]

hard to tell in the wet though (yeah, let's call it wet)
personally I've jumped off (pre rd1) but am interested in maybe as an upgrade target (to a fat rook) come the byes if he gets some decent scores together

[elephants]

So many Captain Hindsights in here :P

[Aaron26]

if you have franklin in your side all ime going to say is goodluck, he will produce scores of 50 alot with the few 130's when he explodes. not for me thanks