WXV Predictions 2017

[Purple 77]

Some of you may remember last year that I predicted how everyone would do based on the averages of the players in the previous year.

Well, suffice to say, Berlin didn't finish 3rd, Rio didn't finish 6th and New Delhi certainly didn't finish 13th... but Beijing totally finished 10th!

Anyway...

I've done it again! Like last year, its strictly on averages from last year, as well as discounted averages if your player didn't play last year (I think it might have been 15%). For JOM, it was slightly more I think. So I well and truly expect some players to average higher than others, and some to end up lower than others, but in the end, it should be about the same, bar for unexpected breakouts or drop offs.

Have a read of where I've put you below! But more importantly, be BOLD and make some predictions yourself! Who will win the Jim Stynes medal? The rising star medal? What's your ladder? Who wins the premiership? It can be about anything and anyone, go nuts, and see how silly you were when you look back in 8-9 months time :P.



1st & Premiers - Dublin

D: Alex Rance (98), Tom McDonald (90), Grant Birchall (84), Oscar McDonald (69)
M: Adam Treloar (111), Rory Sloane (109), Dustin Martin (108), Nathan Jones (97)
R: Todd Goldstein (108)
F: Jack Gunston (92), Jack Riewoldt (86), Justin Westhoff (85), Tom Hawkins (85)
U: Stephen Hill (90), Brad Crouch (87)
E: Majak Daw (70), Jacob Weitering (68), Henry Schade (57)
CAPTAIN: Adam Treloar (111)

TOTAL: 1510

Yet again, a super duper team with the most elite players than any other team. Yet again, they are my tip for the premiership, but take a gander at whose their 18th man on averages...

2nd - Mexico City

D: Kade Simpson (106), Heath Shaw (106), Matthew Broadbent (85), Mark Baguley (74)
M: Tom Rockliff (111), Trent Cotchin (101), Brendon Goddard (98), Brent Stanton (91)
R: Tom Hickey (84)
F: Nick Riewoldt (101), Brett Deledio (95), Eddie Betts (88), Luke Breust (83)
U: David Zaharakis (87), Ben Cunnington (81)
E: Ryan Davis (65), Jarryn Geary (64), James Sicily (64)
CAPTAIN: Tom Rockliff (111)

TOTAL: 1502

No Bartel? No Harvey? No worries. The golden oldies will no doubt challenge again and I fully expect them to take part in at least their 6th consecutive preliminary final.

3rd - Rio de Janeiro

D: Matthew Boyd (104), James Kelly (96), Bernie Vince (92), Tom Cutler (76)
M: Gary Jnr Ablett (114), Patrick Cripps (108), Aaron Hall (96), Shaun Grigg (93)
R: Sam Jacobs (87)
F: Matthew Wright (85), Jack Watts (84), Mason Wood (82), Michael Close (76)
U: Scott Thompson (88), Mitch Robinson (85)
E: Brad Ebert (80), Danyle Pearce (78), Jackson Ramsay (76)
CAPTAIN: Gary Jnr Ablett (114)

TOTAL: 1480

The reigning premiers! But only a few remain from that glorious team. A fit GAJ will surely take them to the final 4 again, after all, that's all he needs to do as I'm sure Cripps will pull another premiership from his pants.

4th - Berlin

D: Shaun Burgoyne (95), Jamie MacMillan (81), Michael Johnson (79), Michael Hibberd (74)
M: Nathan Fyfe (105), Jack Steven (103), Jack Viney (97), Tom Liberatore (91)
R: Max Gawn (119)
F: Lance Franklin (95), Steve Johnson (85), Daniel Menzel (82), Michael Walters (79)
U: David Armitage (87), Jobe Watson (83)
E: Ryan Bastinac (83), Mark LeCras (79), Luke Dunstan (72)
CAPTAIN: Max Gawn (119)

TOTAL: 1474

... Please? Pretty please? I'm unwavering in my belief that Fyfe is the key... please don't break down for the second half of the season again.

5th - New York

D: Josh Gibson (90), Robbie Tarrant (84), Shannon Hurn (82), Ben Reid (79)
M: Joel Selwood (112), Jordan Lewis (99), Tom Scully (97), David Mundy (93)
R: Kurt Tippett (88)
F: Josh J Kennedy (98), Jarryd Roughead (87), Isaac Heeney (80), Richard Douglas (77)
U: Dom Tyson (91), Lachie Henderson (79)
E: Jake Stringer (75), James Harmes (69), Mitch W Brown (66)
CAPTAIN: Joel Selwood (112)

TOTAL: 1448

A very, very solid outfit in the Revolution, fresh with a new leader in Joel Selwood, if they were to win the premiership, he'd be the reason why. A perfect get for this team ready to rumble.

6th - New Delhi

D: Jeremy Howe (92), Bachar Houli (89), Jake Lloyd (85), Hamish Hartlett (78)
M: Robbie Gray (108), Steele Sidebottom (106), Jack Ziebell (95), Sebastian Ross (94)
R: Stefan Martin (90)
F: Jack Darling (75), Jack Martin (74), Jeremy Cameron (71), Travis Cloke (65)
U: Matt Crouch (93), Daniel Rich (86)
E: Marc Murphy (80), Archie Smith (79), Nick Vlastuin (75)
CAPTAIN: Robbie Gray (108)

TOTAL: 1409

Only a couple better forwards away from being a lock-in top 4 superteam. The amazing transformation continues, with arguably the best backline (in terms of both future and present) in the comp. Couple that with a deep midfield and a lift from Stef... they are able to do one better this year.

7th - Christchurch

D: Robert Murphy (103), Leigh Montagna (99), Jarrad McVeigh (89), Jake Lever (72)
M: Bryce Gibbs (106), Sam Mitchell (104), Daniel Wells (101), Ryan Griffen (94)
R: Aaron Sandilands (71)
F: Jarrad Waite (92), Shaun Higgins (78), Toby McLean (70), Drew Petrie (66)
U: Brayden Fiorini (80), Chris Masten (75)
E: Connor Blakely (74), Jordan Roughead (70), Nathan Wilson (67)
CAPTAIN: Bryce Gibbs (106)

TOTAL: 1406

Rebounding off a disappointing 2016, the Christchurch Saints look primed for another consistent year with many golden oldies to serve them well.

8th - Pacific

D: Rory Laird (97), Michael Hurley (85), Matt Suckling (76), Lee Spurr (76)
M: Marcus Bontempelli (108), Tom Mitchell (104), Michael Barlow (98), Andrew Gaff (91)
R: Matthew Leuenberger (69)
F: Steven Motlop (85), Devon Smith (82), Alex Fasolo (76), Rhys Stanley (72)
U: Jarryd Lyons (90), Sam Gibson (86)
E: Andrew Swallow (85), Cameron Guthrie (85), Michael Rischitelli (78)
CAPTAIN: Marcus Bontempelli (108)

TOTAL: 1403

One of the more quiet teams in the trade period, and with good reason! The welcome return of Michael Hurley, the new home of Michael Barlow and the deepest midfield in the comp will surely see the Islanders challenge again.

9th - Beijing

D: Harry Taylor (76), Luke Brown (71), Sam Mayes (70), Tom Jonas (65)
M: Lachie Neale (113), Dayne Zorko (109), Callan Ward (106), Oliver Wines (98)
R: Brodie Grundy (96)
F: Josh Caddy (90), Josh Jenkins (86), Christian Petracca (73), Kade Stewart (72)
U: Brandon Ellis (85), Jared Polec (75)
E: Allen Christensen (69), Ben Kennedy (69), Bradley Hill (65)
CAPTAIN: Lachie Neale (113)

TOTAL: 1398

Another team to keep quiet in the trade periods, the incremental improving Thunder have backed in their list to take them into the finals for the first time since 2012! The Thunder are one of the teams with the most decent young players and a starting 4 midfield to make anyone wary.

10th - Seoul

D: Nick Haynes (84), Tom Langdon (82), Kamdyn McIntosh (80), Scott D Thompson (71)
M: Patrick Dangerfield (132), Josh Kelly (87), Lachie Whitfield (81), David Swallow (77)
R: Jackson Trengove (74)
F: Tom J Lynch (93), Toby Greene (90), Caleb Daniel (79), Travis Varcoe (63)
U: David Mackay (73), Liam Shiels (70)
E: Clayton Oliver (70), Taylor Duryea (70), Christian Salem (70)
CAPTAIN: Patrick Dangerfield (132)

TOTAL: 1368

The hard luck story of 2016, the Magpies are another team to be backing their young guns to take the next step and reach the finals for the first time ever. With Captain Danger at the helm, they'd have to be a great chance to do so!

11th - Cape Town

D: Jasper Pittard (92), Callum Mills (77), Sam Collins (73), Cameron Sutcliffe (68)
M: Josh P Kennedy (113), Lachie Hunter (95), Dion Prestia (94), Mark Blicavs (90)
R: Shaun Hampson (72)
F: Touk Miller (79), Blake Acres (75), Peter Wright (72), Toby Nankervis (75)
U: Kieren Jack (90), Craig Bird (80)
E: Dean Kent (72), Mitch Honeychurch (71), Ben Griffiths (70)
CAPTAIN: Josh P Kennedy (113)

TOTAL: 1358

Under new management for 2017, the Cobras will look to their midfield to provide the firepower to challenge the big teams, and hope a few of their young forwards/defenders take the next step. JPK is certainly one of the better captains to have!

12th - Moscow

D: Sam Docherty (109), Steven May (87), Daniel Talia (79), Tom Barrass (70)
M: Stephen Coniglio (106), Sam Menegola (99), Dyson Heppell (94), Jack Crisp (86)
R: Tom Bellchambers (56)
F: Jesse Hogan (77), Nick Graham (73), Levi Greenwood (72), Tom Bell (69)
U: Jaeger O'Meara (84), Tomas Bugg (74)
E: Matt Rosa (72), Jack Hombsch (70), Lynden Dunn (69)
CAPTAIN: Sam Docherty (109)

TOTAL: 1344

2016 was a write-off really as soon as Heppell and Hooker were suspended, so the Spetsnaz finally get to approach the season with optimism! Getting Crisp out of Hooker, as well as the returns of Heppell and hopefully (finally) JOM will make Moscow a much better team. However, the loss of NN (whom I've omitted) for most of the year will cause headaches.

13th - PNL

D: Luke Hodge (88), Ricky Henderson (77), Jarrod Harbrow (75), Hayden Crozier (68)
M: Zach Merrett (111), Matt Priddis (109), Dylan Shiel (99), Paul Seedsman (68)
R: Tom Campbell (76)
F: Cyril Rioli (90), Chad Wingard (81), Paddy Ryder (77), Jack Billings (75)
U: Sam Naismith (70), Tom Sheridan (67)
E: Matthew Lobbe (66), Jonathon Patton (64), Rhys Palmer (62)
CAPTAIN: Zach Merrett (111)

TOTAL: 1342

Perhaps a fall from grace of the Reindeers to come in 2017, with the disappointing straight sets exit from last years finals series. The retirements of Enright & Malceski, as well as trading out Westhoff will likely see a dip in competitiveness. However, these Reindeers are built on belief, and if there was ever a team to quickly re-invent themselves, it's PNL. However, the Reindeers might struggle in their midfield department this year.

14th - Tokyo

D: Jason Johannisen (94), Zac Williams (88), Matt Dea (75), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (72)
M: Luke Parker (112), Anthony Miles (90), Dale Thomas (75), Rory Atkins (74)
R: Zac Smith (77)
F: Luke Dahlhaus (96), Aaron Young (78), Scott Lycett (83), Charlie Cameron (73)
U: Jarryd Blair (71), Sam Lloyd (70)
E: Jamie Cripps (70), Josh Dunkley (70), Billy Stretch (68)
CAPTAIN: Luke Parker (112)

TOTAL: 1340

The Samurai will benefit from the acquisitions of Dea & Williams to shore up their defence, but its the depth of their midfield that they may come to rue. But a lot of teams would love to start with Johannisen, Parker and Dahlhaus as their D1, M1 and F1.

15th - London

D: Dane Rampe (86), Heath Grundy (76), Adam Saad (70), Ethan Hughes (69)
M: Daniel Hannebery (113), Luke Shuey (106), Sam Gray (80), Lin Jong (76)
R: Jonathan Giles (74)
F: Tom T Lynch (87), Cameron Ellis-Yolmen (80), Maverick Weller (80), Tim Membrey (78)
U: Chris Mayne (73), Will Langford (73)
E: Billy Hartung (70), Orazio Fantasia (70), Dean Towers (69)
CAPTAIN: Daniel Hannebery (113)

TOTAL: 1334

The Royals go into 2017 with a host of capable forwards, but would hope for a few of their midfielders to stand up with Hanners & Shuey.

16th - Toronto

D: Shane Savage (82), Brodie Smith (75), Taylor Hunt (69), Tyson Goldsack (67)
M: Scott Pendlebury (119), Mitch Duncan (92), Pearce Hanley (87), Liam Picken (85)
R: Matthew Kreuzer (73)
F: Jackson Macrae (94), Jordan De Goey (76), Jacob Hopper (70), Nathan Hrovat (69)
U: Sam Kerridge (77), Scott Selwood (74)
E: Cameron Pedersen (68), Angus Brayshaw (65), Brendon Ah Chee (65)
CAPTAIN: Scott Pendlebury (119)

TOTAL: 1328

Although perhaps a small climb in the ladder, this teams looks to take a massive step in 2017, mostly due to the return of club legend Scott Pendlebury. The Wolves might also have a few breakouts in their midst *cough* *Brayshaw* *cough*, so at the very least, I reckon a couple more wins are on the cards at Toronto.

17th - Buenos Aires

D: Cale Hooker (82), Zach Tuohy (81), Marcus Adams (81), Riley Bonner (76)
M: Ed Curnow (101), Travis Boak (91), Trent Dumont (76), Darcy Parish (72)
R: Tom Nicholls (83)
F: Harley Bennell (92), Taylor Walker (82), Isaac Smith (81), Shane Edwards (76)
U: Daniel Currie (78), Shane Biggs (75)
E: Easton Wood (73), Jack Leslie (70), Josh Wagner (69)
CAPTAIN: Ed Curnow (101)

TOTAL: 1328

From 8th to 17th, such is the effect of trading out the great man Pendles. However (as a consequence), the Dillos have a host of breakout types that should hopefully see them win a few more games than 17th would suggest. Captaincy may be an issue this year, when it was once so easy.

18th - Cairo

D: Taylor Adams (97), Jeremy McGovern (88), Dylan Roberton (76), Josh Smith (73)
M: Jack Newnes (89), Dayne Beams (80), Rupert Wills (83), Rhys Mathieson (71)
R: Shane Mumford (99)
F: Koby Stevens (86), Paul Puopolo (81), Ben Brown (76), Rory Lobb (75)
U: Jesse White (74), Mark Hutchings (71)
E: Dale Morris (69), Heath Hocking (69), Eric MacKenzie (65)
CAPTAIN: Shane Mumford (99)

TOTAL: 1318

The method of going by averages are probably the most unkind to Cairo, as surely Beams and their star draftees will jump their total up. Adams & Stevens were great gets, as they both got DPP, so with a bit more luck, the Sands can well and truly avoid the spoon.

[Purple 77]

TL;DR

Rank	Team	Total
1	Dublin Destroyers	1510
2	Mexico City Suns	1502
3	Rio de Janeiro Jaguars	1480
4	Berlin Brewers	1474
5	New York Revolution	1448
6	New Delhi Tigers	1409
7	Christchurch Saints	1406
8	Pacific Islanders	1403
9	Beijing Thunder	1398
10	Seoul Magpies	1368
11	Cape Town Cobras	1358
12	Moscow Spetsnaz	1344
13	PNL Reindeers	1342
14	Tokyo Samurai	1340
15	London Royals	1334
16	Buenos Aires Armadillos	1328
17	Toronto Wolves	1328
18	Cairo Sands	1318

[Ricochet]

I got one.

Dublin are pie and won't make the 4

[meow meow]

Fiorini averaged 86 Purps, fuk NDT and their inferior backline taking my spot on this list.

I expect an improved effort from Sandi (71), Masten (75) and whoever my F3 and F4 are. Petrie with just 66 should improve (in the ruck) or be demoted for Boyd/Clay who had outstanding scoring (82 ,99) in the finals, or for Steele at St Kilda, or Langford in his new inside mid role, or Lester who can score well depending on his role.

D4 will be a battle between Dempster (shouldn't have to play kpd anymore, intercept marking return) and the likes of Lever, Andrews and Wilson who all have improvement left in them.

Having Blakely as depth is pretty nice.

[RaisyDaisy]

Gonna be a cracker of a season!

There's not a lot in it and on any given day a lot of teams could roll the teams above them

I don't know what it is, mentally I just don't see Rio as that good. They've won the flag, and even those averages don't lie but every time I see the list it just doesn't scream power like Dublin etc

Clearly my mind playing tricks because they've done it! Weird, just a mental block thing

Will be nice when we get Wallis back ;)

[RaisyDaisy]

Purps, now do it again with one starting player from each line out, and replaced by the next best bench player

#batsdeep

[Nige]

Majorly stiff.  :P

[Torpedo10]

Sort of biased Emergencies by using three mids, I'm looking at you Pacific.  :P

Looks even, and if we are in some sort of competition for the 8 I'd be pleasantly surprised without NN!

[Levi434]

Ben Jacobs will win Stynes medal.

[Holz]

70 points worse then last year but i think im far better. Team is alot younger and obviously weits omac should beat 69.

Crouch should lift alot and im hoping on some small improvements across the board.

The 18th player does look weak but got alot of youth on the list now. The whole team is under 30.


Mexico looking old and shallow. Few injuries and they could slip badly.

Rio berlin look tougher.

[Adamant]

Paparone will rebound after a season to forget last year. Should be able to get 70-75 out of Short/Wright/Hunt at D4.

Hanley back to 95 at the Suns after a couple of lean seasons.

Scooter will push 90 with a full pre-season.

Kreuzer got his mojo back in the last five rounds of last season and should get back to 85.

Breakout seasons coming up for F2-F5. Macrae will go back to his 100 average.

Pendles is Pendles.

Wolves about 97 points undervalued.

[Ricochet]

Only 97?? Cloke is undervalued by 60pts by himself
Then add
HH 20pts
MMurphy 25pts
Stef 15pts

#rippedoff

[RaisyDaisy]

Only 97?? Cloke is undervalued by 60pts

120 actually ;)

Berlin to be the big improver and genuine contender this year

[Purple 77]

Fiorini averaged 86 Purps

I fiddle factored a couple of players :P Jack Leslie from Buenos Aires was the other one IIRC, he scored 90 from 1 game last year, so I thought it unrealistic to record him at 90 :P

Purps, now do it again with one starting player from each line out, and replaced by the next best bench player

#batsdeep

Stahp master, I need rest! :P

Paparone will rebound after a season to forget last year. Should be able to get 70-75 out of Short/Wright/Hunt at D4.

Hanley back to 95 at the Suns after a couple of lean seasons.

Scooter will push 90 with a full pre-season.

Kreuzer got his mojo back in the last five rounds of last season and should get back to 85.

Breakout seasons coming up for F2-F5. Macrae will go back to his 100 average.

Pendles is Pendles.

Wolves about 97 points undervalued.

Brayshaw to average 90

Rio berlin look tougher.

Berlin to be the big improver and genuine contender this year

Naw. I've learnt from last year not to talk shower to other teams and pump my own tires, because that just spells disaster haha

[upthemaidens]

If all of the Islanders could recreate their best years in the same season.

D: Laird (96), Hurley (94), Suckling (90), Spurr (76)
M: Barlow (116), Swallow (112), Bont (107), TMitchell (104)
R: Leuenberger (102)
F: Smith (90), Motlop (88), de Boer (85), Howlett (84)
U: Gaff (103), Guthrie (97)
E: Rischitelli (95), Gibson (91), Lyons (90)
C: Barlow (116)

Total: 1560