But here is 3 more points for you to chew over. I'm hungry...
6. Biggest Improver?
Chris Masten is always a popular pick for this pre-season honour. But he's no longer the pariah that he once was, though not a star and I'm not sure whether he will get much better. In fact this is a rather difficult selection to make, as there's no one player of superb talent who hasn't already realised his potential (well, despite NicNat but I've already dissed him so there's no going back). I'm going with Kennedy on the basis that his 2012 season was fairly horrendous. Yes, it was mainly injury-related but when he did play it wasn't pretty and he seemed to operate as more of a decoy than a real threat. If he stays fit there's no reason why he won't return to his rightful place as our prime forward threat.
Right again! JJK returned with full honours to his position as our number 1 forward threat. As those in the East relentlessly focussed on his admittedly bizarre (and getting more bizarre?) goal kicking run-up, Kennedy continued to kick goal after goal. Unfortunately, his run-up really does mean he does not receive the plaudits he deserved. As those around him struggled, JJK maintained a rare sense of poise sorely missed throughout the rest of the team. The Coleman may have alluded him, but I'm sure he'll get that in 2014.
5. One Game you won't want to miss...
Our fixture is full of big matches against good teams, rivals and cheats^* (hint: see the ____ fly up!). But for me it's Round 22, a Friday night blockbuster against the Bogan Empire in Collingwood. This match is part of an absolutely brutal final month of matches including away to Essendon and home against the Cats and Crows. But this game is full of meaning. There's something special about beating the bloody annoying Pies, their bloody annoying fans and bloody annoying President. Especially after last year's superb effort in the corresponding fixture and the disappointing semi-final loss. There will be passion in this one plus a vital 4 points which again may influence who finishes top 4.
...That Round 22 game was one of the worst I've ever witnessed. It led me to write the following:
To summarise, in a game in which Priddis celebrated his 150th, a man who since 2007 has more tackles than anyone else, the Eagles showed a distinct lack of pride, effort or skill.
Dark times lay ahead.
On a positive note, Glass did go nuts and try to murder an annoying Collingwood rookie. I believe it was one of our lowest scores ever.
So what was the most unmissable game? I think the two matches against Essendon had everything you want in a game of football. There was passion, excitement, fear, loathing, depression, elation. I attended the match-up in Perth and it had an atmosphere like nothing I had experienced before. Of course, it was the infamous boo-gate game, in which Jobe Watson endured the wrath of a fanbase rather peeved about his early week admission and consequent participation in the match. Of course, we blew that game. It made me sick. But it was an unforgettable.
Revenge, however, was sweet in the corresponding fixture at Etihad. After a seesaw game throughout the first half, the Eagles kicked away in the second, led by a courageous (and winged) Lecras. The players were happy, we were happy, the Dons were devastated. Besides the fact that Eddie was commentating, it was a perfect day.
4. Oh Gee, Wow-ee, Did you see that!?
Yes, Brian Taylor will be of extreme annoyance this season. There will be talk of 'benders' and references to Mandurah, the Mining Tax and how great a player he was. But this prediction relates to the fact that I've run out of actual predictions and thought I'd make fun of this guy for a bit. So yeah, he'll be a pain the ass, but at least he's not Wallsy.
The Saturday night commentary team in general is rather...erm how do I say this..."shit". Though generally it's "shit" in a manner which makes me laugh. Especially when the other two clowns start picking on the ultimate jester Richo. On the other hand, they kept lauding the Bombers and how well they were playing despite the ASADA investigation. Really guys?! If a man shoots himself in the foot and then goes about his business by hopping around do you say "What great spirit"? No, you laugh at him, because he was foolish and shot himself in the foot.
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Only 3 to recaps to go now!
Then I have to start writing predictions for this year. It never ends.
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In other news:
- Nic Nat and Wellingham may be set for Round 1.
- Waters not so much.
- (Bullet-proof) Glass has retained the captaincy for a 7th consecutive season. Was there ever any doubt?
- Other members of the 'Leadership Group'; Priddis, Cox, Selwood, Kennedy
- I saw David Wirrpanda at the Merrywell on Saturday night. He looks in good shape....what? This is news!
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As you can see, I have temporarily replaced the 'Dockers without a Premiership' counter for a 'Countdown until Round 1' counter.
52 days to go! Get excited!
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