As well as Brisbane (and I'm not sure which of the 3 outfits this season showed will be seen - it's a young team and will continue to struggle for consistency) and St. Kilda, expect Fremantle to make a climb. With more realistic expectations of themselves, the Bulldogs should put up a real fight for the finals too.
Adelaide and Sydney could struggle - but they're both a hot streak away from top 4. Don't discount Neil Craig, and don't discount fresher bodies in Sydney.
West Coast will be under the pump, but with their midfield depth (and they've still got Kerr and Cox), the Subiaco advantage, and Lynch and Glass now providing them with bonafide KPP at both ends, they'll be right amongst it with the above 2.
As well as the Kangas, I wouldn't be surprised to see Port fall a bit this year, ala Bulldogs '07. They're well coached, and have a great core in the Cornes and Burgoynes, but teams will be a lot more ready for them this year. After that nailbiting game against Geelong at the end of H&A, Geelong was more than a slight cut above in the GF. If their kids keep the nose to the grindstone, they'll follow up well - if not as well... if they get ahead of themselves, they'll be vulnerable. I maintain that as good as Port were, their season was made to look good by the teams than massively underperformed.
Carlton's not there yet - but may be in '09. Their backline remains pourous, and Fev remains a headcase. It'll take some time for the new mids to gel, and Judd and Stevens are both coming back from injury... but look for a big 2nd half to sound the warning bell that they've had enough of being bottom feeders.
Wooden spoon for mine remains Richmond, Essendon will be down there too.
Can't wait to see if I'm even close
