So, the 2013 season is around the corner - what are everybody's thoughts?

[hertryk]

Let the season begin.... and back our boys with everything we have.... !!! (Missing Sharpie already...but whatever...!!! ) C'ARN THE FORCE!!! Leave nothing on the field is all we can ask...

[Stone Cold]

My wishlist:
Finish 6th-8th
More intent to score meat pies
Not to lose those close ones at home that tear at the soul

[DinkyDi]

the defensive patterns that the lads are working with will be a key factor this year in ensuring that we do not loose the close ones. They are innovative and if the players implement them correctly I think that we will cause a number of upsets.

[stejwill]

My thoughts are, will we have a decent CEO to help drive the team behind the team?
I would have liked to know before I was pestered to renew my membership.
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[kipper_mckinnon]

This may be a little too optimistic for some, but why can't we win the Aus conference ?

Look at last year with that git Graham in charge....
v Brumbies 2pt loss away and 11pt loss at home
v Reds - ok 15pt loss away but a 26pt hammering at home
v Waratahs - 1 pt win away, 5pt loss at home
v Rebels - 1pt loss home AND away

I know there are arguments either way for each game, but we were competitive in ALL games with a far inferior coach.

I know coaches dont win games and we have lost 2 key players, but the noises coming out of the team are very good.

I can see us beating both the rebels and Waratahs, home and away.
Beat the reds at home (maybe both games if Graham is involved) and hope that the Brumbies have been "found out" and sneak 1 win from them too !!!!!

Can someone tell me the odds on us winning the conference (I can't look up THOSE sites are work :-))

VERY EXCITED ALREADY

[jargan83]

Can someone tell me the odds on us winning the conference (I can't look up THOSE sites are work :-))

Sportbet:

$17.00 to win Australian conference
$201.00 to win the Super 15

TAB:

$18.50 to win Australian conference
$126.00 to win the Super 15
$15.00 to make the Top 6
$151.00 to finish Minor Premier

Bet responsibly blah blah etc

[kipper_mckinnon]

Sportbet:

$17.00 to win Australian conference
$201.00 to win the Super 15

TAB:

$18.50 to win Australian conference
$126.00 to win the Super 15
$15.00 to make the Top 6
$151.00 to finish Minor Premier

Bet responsibly blah blah etc

Thanks Jargan - off to the TAB

[Sheikh]

Bet responsibly blah blah etc

I make sure my vcash is always looked after responsibly - by TGerry!

[sittingbison]

The single biggest difference is Meehan and Fowler.

Getting a cohesive and structured (and I dont mean boring or mechanical or simplistic or repetitive or thoughtless like Eddie Jones or this years Wobblies) attack in place is vital. The centers are all big. The halves Alny and Sias are experienced and classy, the outside backs have some punch in HB and Dellit, and some stiletto in Mafi and Stubbs. Its a canvas from which Meehan can work. SNK is a utility back covering 10-15. I dont mind having him as all in that role, could be extremely useful in the clutch. What we DONT have is either a real jet flyer or a man mountain winger like Nalaga.

The back row looks as good or better than last two years, there is more depth, and I really DONT think we lose that much in Pocock given the arrival of Alcock and development of McCaffrey and Cottrell.

3M arriving and Wykes returning might make up for Sharpie, fingers crossed both can string some games together and stay fit.

Maafu has reportedly lost 8kg of jelly belly from 126kg to 118kg, if so he might get around the park better than last year. Longbottom coming back from injury is a plus he really broke through last year, and fingers crossed Manu takes another step.

I see the 22 as:
Cowan Cheese Maafu
Wykes Lynne
3M McCalman Hodgo
Alby Dellit Sias Hayward Tupou HB Mafi

RES KBomb McCaffrey Alcock Whits Sheehan Tuatara-Morrison SNK

3M and BenMc can cover lock as well, SNK utility back, CTM the centres.

I am happy with the others like Godwin, Cottrell, Rasolea, Stanley etc to come in when needed or to change the dynamic.

[Tazzmania]

All good posts so far, but i think for my money this is the first time for a long time, where we are actually talking about players playing in their "designated" positions, with cover, rather than previous years at this time where it seemed to be playing square pegs in round holes as we did not have the right players for the right positions.

Irrespective of where we come, if we use the ball to the best of our abilities and do not kick it aimlessly away and play hard and with heart, I will be more than pleased.

This has to be a year to set the playing"culture" rather than were we come. In future years we can look at the ladder.

[sittingbison]

those conference and finals odds are not very generous as we have been written off in all media.

[MI5_Dog]

those conference and finals odds are not very generous as we have been written off in all media.

that's why I'm tempted to put some money down on winning the Australian Conference.

If we beat all the local teams even if it's just once each I'll be a happy camper.

[Stone Cold]

Alby Dellit Sias Hayward Tupou HB Mafi.

Err. You may have Dellit and Sias around the wrong way. Is Delitt at 11 and Sias at 10 what you were getting at?

[.X.]

Personally I am very excited for the coming season.

I think the Coaching team and support network that RugbyWA has finally put together is something that should have happened 7 years ago. Its this support that will see that final 1% turn our way. no more draws one or two point losses. Always remember the 7 P's: Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

I also see Sam Norton-Knight utilized as a SuperSub and that Alfi Mafi will be our Fullback.

All in all - I see a successful season for the Force and at the end of the season we will be challenging for Second in the Australian Conference

[blueandblack]

Sportbet:

$17.00 to win Australian conference
$201.00 to win the Super 15

TAB:

$18.50 to win Australian conference
$126.00 to win the Super 15
$15.00 to make the Top 6
$151.00 to finish Minor Premier

Bet responsibly blah blah etc

What about young Tommy Waterhouse? What are his mob offering?