The Premiership Clock

The Premiership Clock

Mick Malthouse, 3-time Premiership Coach, coined the phrase (as far as I’m aware) of the Premiership Clock. The theory is that in order to win the flag, you must be between 10 and 2 o’clock, with 12 being your peak.

I’ve had a quick run through of all the teams and came up with this graphic (excuse the crapness of it):

Yes. This is contentious, and is only one man’s opinion. I’ll give a quick summary of my reasoning, before I get onto my main point 😉

Adelaide
8-9 o’clock. Adelaide fell from grace last year, with lot of their experienced players getting injured (Goodwin, McLeod, Burton), falling out of form (Edwards) or falling out of favour (Bock). But in doing so, played a lot of promising young players, and look to have a steady base to start again. However, they aren’t a serious flag threat in my opinion.

Brisbane
5-6 o’clock for Brisbane. Unfortunately for the Lions, even with a better a run of injuries this year I think things may get worse before they get better – especially if Brown’s body isn’t right. Brisbane have a nasty habit of annoying me though, so they’ll probably prove me wrong.

Carlton
9-10 o’clock. As usual you can’t help but point at their superstar midfield. However, a lack of structure in forward and back will stop them from being a consistent force in 2011 IMO. They will beat big teams, but lose to lesser teams. A lack of finals experience also goes against them, and I’m not confident they’ll even make the finals this year. Having said that, I’m confident they are still in a great position to eventually build a very strong side in the coming years.

Collingwood
11-12 o’clock. Collingwood, despite making the last 5 finals series, have managed to maintain a very young team that has now tasted ultimate success. They can arguably still improve, and rightfully go in as premiership favourites. (completely unbiased opinion of course – Ed)

Essendon
5-6 o’clock. Essendon has cause for great hope with the arrival of premiership captains James Hird and Mark Thompson, but I feel a year or rebuilding is required… and like Brisbane, things could get worse in the short-term.

Fremantle
10-11 o’clock. Fremantle have never made two successive finals appearances, and this will surely be their challenge to themselves. A great year last year was derailed by injury, but the Dockers have the youth and determination to push for a top 4 spot.

Geelong
1-2 o’clock. Reaching the end of their premiership window, and with key personnel change, the Cats are suddenly somewhat of an unknown quantity. They still have the core of a superteam and if they make the top 4 – which is very possible – their experience will give the premiership a shake.

Gold Coast
7-8 o’clock. Although they could very well win the wooden spoon this year, the Gold Coast already have the foundations for a very good team and look to be well placed.

Hawthorn
1-2 o’clock. Probably won a Premiership in 2008 when they were at 10:30 on the clock, and now after 2 years of injuries and poor form find themselves at the tail-end of the window. Hodge, Franklin, Rioli are genuine match-winners; they play well against Collingwood, Geelong and St. Kilda; and if things go their way, they can be a threat. Defence still an issue.

Melbourne
8-9 o’clock. With only 3 players above 27 on their list (Brad Green at 29 is their oldest), the Demons are a very young outfit brimming with potential talent. They will expect to push for the finals this year, but would not expect to challenge for a flag.

North Melbourne
8-9 o’clock. The always underrated Kangaroos have similar young talent, particularly in the midfield, but have already been hit by injury. Need to prove themselves against the big boys before they start being taken seriously, and you wouldn’t think that this year is the year.

Port Adelaide
7-8 o’clock. A very disappointing year last year, but Matthew Primus brings hope. Some good young players and core experienced ones should see the Power develop.

Richmond
8-9 o’clock. The Tigers won 6 of the last 13 matches last year, and that is an indication of a team on the rise. They will still get thrashed at times, but will surprise also. Young talent everywhere, and the list-cloggers are disappearing from the list.

St. Kilda
12-1 o’clock. Runners-up 2 years in a row, with players like Riewoldt, Goddard, Hayes and Montagna, you’re always going to challenge. Best defensive side in the comp, the question is can they go around a 3rd time? Serious threat.

Sydney
3-4 o’clock. The Swans had a surprising year last year. With a new coach and new personnel I think the Swans will still be very competitive, but need to hit rock bottom again before they challenge for a flag. But perhaps Longmire has other ideas!

West Coast
6-7 o’clock. Surely have hit rock-bottom, and Andrew Gaff becomes a great hope. The poor Eagles have holes everywhere.

Western Bulldogs
2-3 o’clock. After 3 consecutive preliminary finals, I think the Dogs have let their window slip. A new captain this year, and having not beaten any of the top 3 last year, I think things will only get worse. The Dogs have a lot of talent though, and can still cause devastation on their day.

So, feel free to disagree, call me names and throw rocks at me 🙂

 

It got me thinking though, where do fantasy coaches consider themselves to be on the Premiership Clock? Let’s get some honest views here. Do you feel you are at the peak of your abilities? Are you ready to make a move? Are you past your prime? Or are you simply in a shambles?

So, go on, compare your history with what you’ve learnt, and write about it below! For me, I feel I’ve still got some learning to do and get rid of some of my romantic notions. I have not had the great rankings that some of you have had, so I’d rate myself a 10:15!