YOU could be forgiven for thinking that premierships are won in February with how much banter is happening in our office.
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The NAB Challenge is well underway with footy teams in full preparation for the beginning of the season.
There is less than 20 days before it all begins and I can’t wait.
Nothing beats a packed MCG when your team is in front, especially when your opposition is Carlton.
Banter is already in full swing with several friends and colleagues pumping up their team’s premiership chances ahead of the first bounce.
But the pre-season always leaves fans with more questions than answers.
Is my team in good form? How will the new kids go on the big stage? Will the new recruits fit into the team well?
But the pre-season is all about getting back into the swing of things before the real stuff begins.
There is no doubt the 2014 season will be an exciting one.
At least 12 teams can make the finals.
Hawthorn, the defending champions, will be the team to beat.
Trying to replace Buddy Franklin is an impossible task but with the likes of Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead I am sure they will be in for another successful season.
Fremantle, will they be able to back it up?
Their ferocious pressure led them to the grand final last year but ultimately fell short.
I am not convinced the Dockers will be able to sustain the same intensity again.
Sydney, they are the danger team.
With Buddy added to their line-up and Kurt Tippet ready to fire the Swans will look to finish in the top four again.
The Cats continue to reach finals every year.
Will 2014 be the year they fall off their perch?
Collingwood, my proud club, will no doubt face some challenges this year but you still can’t write them off.
Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke will lead the team to another finals series.
Port Adelaide, my second favourite team, will work hard to make the eight for a second consecutive year.
Watch out for Echuca’s Ollie Wines who is in for another bumper season.
Then there is Richmond, the team that just keeps on giving.
Watch out for Echuca’s Ollie Wines who is in for another bumper season
They make the finals last year, give their passionate fans a glimmer of hope and then lose to ninth placed Carlton in the first final.
Let’s hope for the sake of Tigers fans they win a final.
The Bombers, where do I start?
A horror season last year with ongoing drugs scandal, James Hird banned and the club in total disarray.
Essendon will probably start the year strong and then fade like they do most seasons.
There is no doubt the season will be one to remember.
It is an exciting time of the year.
Go Pies!
