We will improve and hopefully pass geelong going the other way. They will leave a spot open in the 4. You would think Freo , Hawks, Blues and possible a smokie will be fighting for that position.
Freo have a solid home ground advantage so at the end of the home and away season i can see them taking fourth spot with us thereabouts.
Hopefully we are fit and firing for the finals and get a few wins and make a prelim.

I reckon the coach has had enough and the players have had enough and from here on we will show a lot more character than we have in the last couple of seasons. If not it is time for changes.

Yep that's how I see things.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints dropped out of the top 4 with Hayes turning 31 in January and bugger all kids coming through.....except for McEvoy who will be needed to replace Gardner.
Freo have some quality kids but they really dropped off after Barlow broke his leg and Tarrant getting injured not long afterwards. I doubt Barlow will get back to 100% next year and Tarrant has left the club. Yes they will be hard to topple at Subiaco but may struggle elsewhere.
At full strength the Hawks will beat anyone.....however Hodge has had groin problems for the past couple of seasons. It wouldn't surprise me to see them win the flag or otherwise maybe just scrape into the finals.
The only 2 sides I am confident will make the top 4 are Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

_________________
There is no footy god

You don't change the culture at a club overnight by changing coaches
unless it's Barassi coming in.
You don't change the culture at a club overnight by letting go a wayward star.
IMO we have made massive steps forward.
We are ready to reap benefits.


no pain no gain.

_________________
Bawditawaba

I think the only certainty for the top four next year is the filth.

Geelong have a new coach and have lost their best player. They have been up quite a while, they may slide or they may not but with the competition the way it is chances are more to the slide.

St. Kilda have played the last 2 GF and realistically their list is getting on the wrong side of the age barrier. They will need a few injuries not to be up there but with added age these things tend to happen.

Western Bulldogs have been there or there abouts for a few years but just cannot seem to put it together when it matters. They have been very lucky this year with their FS selections but they have lost a few players they seemed to rely on ... Barry Hall would have to have a blinder and all things come together for them to be the bridesmaid again in my opinion. Wouldn`t mind seeing them win the flag ... I feel for their supporters ... but I just cannot see it. They will definately make the eight but not too confident of top 4 finish.

Freo will slide but not much difference as someone put it will be Tarrant and Barlow ... if Barlow comes back and recaptures his form of last year (unlikely) they may still make top 4 but I would be surprised.

Dawks like someone else said could be anything but I think they have internal problems that are spilling onto the field. A couple of losses early, a little bit of boat rocking and their 2011 campaign will unravel.

Swans have lost Roos ... may make the eight but no chance for the 4.

Brions could make the 4 (hahahahaha) but everything would have to go perfect and no one could see that happening most likely will not even make the eight. fev would have to be kicking himself daily at the moment.

Crows have lost too much experience to be a realistic top 4 prospect ... could surprise and be a smokey as they will be there sooner rather than later, as they do have talent, but unlikely.

North is my smokey pick this year ... will surprise but I think top four is very very unlikely.

Melbourne will be better than last year but still too young and inexperienced to get to top 4 may make the eight with their draw.

Blues have a real shot, consistency has to improve. We have shown we can match the best its just a question of whether we are at the stage where the list is able to week in week out. To be honest I think that will take another year or two BUT there are too many red flags at other teams to not think that natural improvement could not get us into the top 4 with a little luck with injuries. Coaching side of things has been fairly sorted one would reckon.

All the rest no chance.

So realistically there a 6 clubs vying for top 4 with only one certainty (unless they have the mother of all premiership hangovers, possible). Not sure whether we will get there but I think we can all agree its great to go into a season with realistic hopes rather than knowing we are screwed from the beginning.

Its good to be a carlton supporter again (it always is but its just better now!) ... so everyone go out and get their membership, go to the footy, support the club and do our bit to propel this magnificent club forward and higher.

Damn straight I will be!

GO BLUES!!