WXV Predictions 2018

[Adamant]

Right, the trade period is finally over and WXV lists are now locked in for 2018. Time to get into some predictions.

Like previous years, this is based strictly on averages from last year. For players who didn't play last year or were clearly injury-affected and played around 5 games, I took their average from the season before (or in some cases, their last fully fit season). Perhaps a bit generous in some instances but it's more accurate than leaving them out altogether and replacing with a depth player.

Copy and pasted straight from the 2017 thread...

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.



1. Dublin Destroyers
2017 Average: 147
2018 Average: 152 (1517.9 raw)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Alex Rance Dustin Martin Todd Goldstein Justin Westhoff Brad Crouch Dustin Martin       89.5 119.3 94.8 87.2 96.2 119.3

Tom McDonald Matt Crouch Jack Gunston Stephen Hill 84.7 110.6 86.4 80.4

Steven May Rory Sloane Tom Hawkins 84.1 110.2 86.2

Grant Birchall Joel Selwood Jack Riewoldt       84 102.2 82.8

Comments: The Nightmares hey? Not sure about the new motto, but what I am sure about is that the reigning premiers will yet again be one of the teams to beat in 2018, but perhaps with a few more question marks this time around. Are Lids and Birchall past it or can they get back to their best? More importantly, will they be fit come finals? Goldy spent a couple of weeks at Belfast last year, is Preuss the future or will they back in their once marquee player to reclaim his mantle? How will they go splitting ruck duties? I'm sure the coach would be quietly hoping for an injury to one of his behemoths. Despite these concerns, Dublin would still fancy their chances at making the top 4 due to sheer firepower.



2. Seoul Magpies
2017 Average: 147
2018 Average: 149 (1488.6)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Zach Tuohy Patrick Dangerfield Ben McEvoy Toby Greene Isaac Smith Patrick Dangerfield       88.1 136.4 95.2 96 84.7 136.4

Christian Salem Josh Kelly Tom J. Lynch Liam Shiels 79.5 114.3 85 77.7

Nick Haynes Clayton Oliver Caleb Daniel 75.8 111.4 79.3

Caleb Marchbank David Swallow Charlie Curnow       69.4 85.2 74.2

Comments: What they lack in other areas compared to the teams around them, is compensated by the fact they have a 136.4 averaging captain, backed up by 'support' players, and 2017's breakouts in Kelly and Oliver. You could argue that at least one, and possibly all three of KeliveField will see a drop off in output which would naturally cause a negative flow-on effect, but you could also argue that David Swallow, who had a consolidation season in 2017 and is now fully fit, could get back to his best and make it a quartet of 100+ midfielders. There's still improvement to come from Salem, Haynes, Marchbank and their young superstar forward, Charlie Curnow, too. They wouldn't want to cop an injury or two down back or up forward however.



3. New Delhi Tigers
2017 Average: 148
2018 Average: 148 (1479.1)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Bachar Houli Daniel Hannebery Stefan Martin Sam Menegola Jack Ziebell Sam Menegola       94.1 97.3 98.2 100.4 89.8 100.4

Jeremy Howe Steele Sidebottom Robbie Gray Jack Newnes 94.1 96 91.7 84.7

Daniel Rich Jack Steven Luke Dahlhaus 91.5 90.7 90.7

Jake Lloyd Scott Selwood Jack Martin       87.3 90.7 81.5

Comments: Quite possibly the most balanced starting lineup in WXV history. The fact they sit 3rd overall despite Sam Menegola being their highest averaging player backs that up. The 2017 minor premiers still have plenty of improvement left in them too with Hanners, Sidey, Steven and Gray all at least 10 points below their 2017 output, coupled with some of the best depth in the competition in Heartless, Darling and my personal favourite, Ed Langdon, they are going to be hard to beat. I'm sure Rico and ele would be expecting Hanners to get back to his best and take care of the captaincy duties.



4. Berlin Brewers
2017 Average: 139
2018 Average: 148 (1475.7)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Michael Hibberd Nathan Fyfe Max Gawn Lance Franklin Jack Viney Nathan Fyfe       99.2 108.8 91.6 98.3 90.4 108.8

Luke Hodge Josh P. Kennedy Charlie Dixon Zak Jones 84 102.6 90.9 83.1

Jake Lever Nathan Jones Michael Walters 79 100.9 87

Dane Rampe Brendon Goddard Matthew Wright       77.7 97.4 76.1

Comments: One of the premiership fancies heading into the season, the Brewers really did have a season to forget in 2017, highlighted by a devastating elimination final defeat at the hands of the mighty Wolves. Despite this, they were still 6th overall for average points per game and have added some firepower over the off-season with the likes of JPK, Goddard and Nate Jones among others. Fyfe was a shade of his former self in his return season from a broken leg and Gawn missed a large chunk of the season and was underwhelming on return. If these two are fit and firing, they could be the only team with two 120+ averaging players which spells trouble for the rest of the competition.



5. Beijing Thunder
2017 Average: 143
2018 Average: 144 (1443)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Brandon Ellis Dayne Zorko Brodie Grundy Taylor Walker Tom Rockliff Dayne Zorko       91.4 110.8 97.2 86.1 96.2 110.8

Sam Mayes Lachie Neale Kane Lambert Bradley Hill 80.2 109 86 79.1

Marcus Adams Callan Ward Josh Caddy 79.1 99.7 76.3

Jayden Hunt Oliver Wines Luke Breust       70.9 98.9 71.3

Comments: You have to feel for them don't you? 4th overall for average points per game last year and finished 10th. They'll be out for some retribution this year, let me tell you. This was already reflected throughout their trade period when they brought in one of the best SC players of all time in Tom Rockliff to add to their already star-studded midfield. Can he be the difference in 2018? the coaches would certainly be hoping so. Can't afford any injuries up front.



6. Pacific Islanders
2017 Average: 141
2018 Average: 144 (1439)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Michael Hurley Tom Mitchell Jarrod Witts Michael Barlow Sam Gibson Tom Mitchell       102.5 118.9 94.3 84.2 81.4 118.9

Rory Laird Marcus Bontempelli Devon Smith Cam Guthrie 100.2 105.1 79.9 73.9

Matt Suckling Andrew Gaff Josh Jenkins 77.7 93.1 79.2

Liam Duggan Jarryd Lyons Rhys Stanley       64.9 89.8 75

Comments: One of the most consistent teams going around, the Islanders weren't overly active in the trade period for the second year in a row, instead backing in their list to take the next step into the Grand Final. The Titchempelli combo will strike fear into every team it comes up against, while improved outputs from Barlow, Devon and Motlop will see an overall increase in their scoring ceiling. The coaches would also be hoping for breakout seasons for one of Duggan (class) or Bailey Williams to hold down that D4 spot, which looks to be their downfall. Will challenge.



7. Toronto Wolves
2017 Average: 136
2018 Average: 142 (1422.3)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Kade Simpson Jackson Macrae Nic Naitanui David Mundy Tom Bellchambers Jackson Macrae       93.9 107 105.8 89.4 91.8 107

Alex Witherden Scott Pendlebury Allen Christensen Jack Redden 87.1 106.7 86.2 79.7

Kade Kolodjashnij Connor Blakely Travis Boak 72.4 89.2 85.1

Ryan Clarke Dion Prestia Jesse Hogan       67.1 83 69.7

Comments: Ahh. If WXV was SuperCoach you would probably be picking this team. Destroyed by mass injuries early on, the Wolves averaged 141.3 over the last 11 rounds in 2017 (including finals) when they got close to their best side on the park, and have gotten considerably stronger over the off-season thanks to another whirlwind trade period. The coach would be expecting at least 10 point improvements from the likes of Blakely, Prestia, Hogan, Kolodjashnij, Clarke and Redden to take them even further than last year. Pendles and Nic Nat bouncing back to uber premo status would be handy too.



8. Christchurch Saints
2017 Average: 133
2018 Average: 142 (1421.5)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Heath Shaw Gary Ablett Jnr Aaron Sandilands Toby McLean Tom Scully Gary Ablett Jnr       83.3 114.8 87.3 85.5 88.1 114.8

Jarrad McVeigh Marc Murphy Jarrad Waite Tom Liberatore 82.7 108.2 82.1 79.1

Tom Langdon Bryce Gibbs Daniel Wells 82.1 102.4 71.1

Nathan Wilson Luke Parker Jake Stringer       75.9 99.3 64.6

Comments: Usually renowned for their depth, the under-performing Saints had a very productive trade period and now boast one of the more menacing starting lineups in the competition, headlined by one Gary Ablett Jnr. He's well backed up in the midfield too, with Parker, Murphy and Gibbs all likely to average 100+, throw in Libba, Heater, Waite and Wells, and this team probably has the highest ceiling in the competition. The only question mark is can their veteran's stay on the park? That will be the difference between an early finals exit and a premiership. Ryan Griffen is their M7 so he's not crucial. McVeigh hasn't missed a beat this pre-season, does he have one last hurrah left in him? If Toby Mac can continue at his rapid rate of improvement going all the way back to his junior days then he might just be the #1 forward in 2018.

[Adamant]

 9. Moscow Spetsnaz
2017 Average: 128
2018 Average: 141 (1412.5)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Ryan Burton Adam Treloar Matthew Kreuzer Joe Daniher Sam Jacobs Matthew Kreuzer       83.7 101.4 109.8 86 95.7 109.8

Jack Crisp Dyson Heppell Jordan De Goey Jack Sinclair 82.2 99.6 79 83.6

Liam Jones Stephen Coniglio Jack Watts 77.5 91.7 75.8

David Astbury Shaun Grigg Blake Acres       73.2 88.5 75

Comments: Heppell, JOM and Hooker gone in 2016, NN and JOM last year, and they now lose their superstar defender for 2018. Poor buggers. Were shaping up as a consensus top 8 side before Docherty went down, but Moscow will still do some damage this year. Treloar, Heppell and Coniglio is a very good midfield trio, and each of them have up to 10 points improvement still in them. The twin towers (Kreuzer and Jacobs) is the envy of just about every coach in the league, and they also have some of the best young talent in the competition in Burton, Daniher, De Goey, Acres, Scharenberg, SPS and Jack Sinclair (underrated gun). Wouldn't be shocked if they were up there come the end of the season.



10. New York Revolution
2017 Average: 135
2018 Average: 141 (1408.3)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Shannon Hurn Shaun Higgins Patrick Ryder Isaac Heeney Hugh Greenwood Patrick Ryder       88.6 91.9 103.1 97.6 84.6 103.1

Robbie Tarrant Jack Steele Josh J. Kennedy Richard Douglas 79.2 91.1 93.5 82

Pearce Hanley Luke Dunstan Jarryd Roughead 77.9 88.3 86.6

Lachie Henderson Jordan Lewis Sam Reid       77.7 87.3 75.8

Comments: A rock solid team with a killer forward trio, the Revolution are clearly lacking in the midfield but Luke Dunstan had a strong finish to the season and the coaches would be hoping he can push triple figures in 2018 to cover the loss of star midfielder Joel Selwood. The general consensus was that they weren't deserving of their top 8 spot in 2017, and yet they ended up winning a final and went out with a score of 154. They'll be looking to silence their critics again.



11. Cape Town Cobras
2017 Average: 126
2018 Average: 136 (1355.7)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Luke McDonald Mitch Duncan Toby Nankervis Tom Papley Touk Miller Mitch Duncan       83.9 109.8 88.8 82.1 76.3 109.8

Aaron Mullett Brad Ebert Lewis Taylor Darcy Lang 80.2 100.7 79.6 70.1

Jasper Pittard Ben Cunnington Alex Neal-Bullen 78.9 91.1 75.5

Callum Mills Mark Blicavs Kieren Jack       73.3 81.6 74

Comments: The Cobras have a nice mix of youth and experience, with some elite young talent on every line. The underperforming 2017 midfield of JPK, Prestia and Hunter has been renovated into Duncan, Ebert and Cunnington in the hope they will bring better fortunes to the engine room. The Cobras also have plenty of players looking to improve on their 2017 averages in McDonald, Mills, Blicavs, Jack, Touk and Lang. Should be one of the big improvers this year.



12. PNL Reindeers
2017 Average: 133
2018 Average: 132 (1339.8)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Jarrod Harbrow Zach Merrett Sam Naismith Chad Wingard Marley Williams Zach Merrett       80.4 109.2 66.2 93 72.1 109.2

Paul Seedsman Dylan Shiel Jack Billings Ben Keays 78 97.7 92.7 68.8

Luke Ryan Mitch Wallis Cyril Rioli 76.8 87.8 89.8

Andy Otten Matthew Kennedy Jonathon Patton       72.7 64.8 80.6

Comments: One of the best young forward lines in the comp, a 22yo gun captain, and a host of breakout contenders in their midst. The Reindeers have a good foundation for future success, but perhaps lack the depth at this point in time (particularly down back). A couple more wins should be on the cards at the very least.



13. Cairo Sands
2017 Average: 136
2018 Average: 133 (1327.3)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Dylan Roberton Taylor Adams Dawson Simpson Mitch Robinson Ricky Henderson Taylor Adams       92.6 107.5 44 82.1 77.2 107.5

Jeremy McGovern Dayne Beams Ben Brown Andrew McGrath 90.7 101.4 77 70.7

Shane Savage David Zaharakis Rory Lobb 87.3 91.2 72.1

Nick Vlastuin Sam Kerridge Jeff Garlett       78.2 78.4 69.4

Comments: One of the hard luck stories of last year, 2018 is going to be a lot harder without a ruck. On the bright side, the retirement of Mummy gives Rory Lobb the opportunity to be one of the top forwards of the competition, so it's not all bad. Cairo have some genuine guns in Adams, Beams, Roberton, McGovern and McGrath to name a few, but perhaps looking towards 2019 and Izak Rankine isn't a bad idea.



14. Rio de Janeiro Jaguars
2017 Average: 139
2018 Average: 130 (1304.2)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Elliot Yeo Patrick Cripps Cameron Pedersen Jeremy Cameron Matt Rosa Elliot Yeo       102.1 97.7 85.8 89.1 74 102.1

Angus Brayshaw Jaeger O'Meara Gary Rohan Billy Hartung 72 97.6 69.4 73.2

Brayden Maynard Aaron Hall Tim Taranto 71.8 92.2 66.5

Mark Baguley Dom Tyson Levi Greenwood       67.1 81.3 62.3

Comments: Hard to believe it was only a year ago when the Jags were the reigning WXV premiers. They decided to take some action after their premiership hangover and their list is now nearly unrecognisable as a result. Cripps is a beast and is more than capable of filling the void left by Ablett. JOM, Cameron, Brayshaw, Taranto, Tyson and Ah Chee were good inclusions which will see them rise again in the not too distant future.



15. Tokyo Samurai
2017 Average: 125
2018 Average: 127 (1273.7)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Jason Johannisen Sebastian Ross Zac Smith McDonald-Tipungwuti Rory Atkins Sebastian Ross       82 101 91.3 73.8 79 101

Martin Gleeson Trent Cotchin Charlie Cameron Tom Phillips 69.5 101 67.8 75.9

Lachie Plowman Lachie Whitfield Jamie Cripps 65.3 97.6 64.6

Aidan Corr Will Hoskin-Elliott Kayne Turner       60.5 81.3 62.1

Comments: Trent Cotchin was a good get for the perennial cellar dwellars. Other than that I'm struggling to find any real positives. Zac Williams going down was a huge blow to an already weakened backline. Who knows, mabye they'll surprise a few this year.



16. London Royals
2017 Average: 122
2018 Average: 125 (1252.2)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Adam Saad Luke Shuey Callum Sinclair Tom T. Lynch Orazio Fantasia Luke Shuey       72.7 96.2 79.5 85.7 73.5 96.2

Heath Grundy Shaun Burgoyne Ryan Lester Jordan Roughead 72.5 87.6 79 71.5

Neville Jetta Dom Sheed Sam Gray 67.7 83.6 75.5

Blake Hardwick Rhys Mathieson Tim Membrey       63.5 72.8 74.7

Comments: Made some inroads during the trade period at least. Trading out their superstar in Hanners was a big call, but they were well compensated with Sheed, Mathieson and Jack Higgins. Was it worth it? I would say absolutely yes. Sometimes you have to go back to move forward. Burgoyne will bring experience which will assist the development of the youngsters.



17. Buenos Aires Armadillos
2017 Average: 116
2018 Average: 121 (1206.7)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Shane Biggs David Armitage Tom Nicholls Cale Hooker Chris Masten David Armitage       79.4 87 41 79.1 73.5 87

Jamie MacMillan Ed Curnow Darcy Parish Jimmy Webster 77.2 86.1 76.2 71.1

Harry Taylor Koby Stevens Shane Edwards 73.6 79.1 75.4

Lee Spurr Trent Dumont Jamie Elliott       72.2 75 73.8

Comments: What the flower, is this team living in the 70s or what? Jokes aside... is there anything left to say? Alright I'll be serious for a minute. What this team does possess is some incredible kids. Parish, Dumont, Berry, Dow, Brayshaw, Cerra, Joe Atley, Coffield, Scrimshaw, Bonner, Simpkin, Florent, Bonar and the tank-less Rayner. If they can keep this group together, they're going to be hard to beat in a few seasons time. Or, you know, they could just cash them in for guns after a couple of seasons. Either way, there is a platform there to become a real threat in the near future.



18. Mexico City Suns
2017 Average: 136
2018 Average: 118 (1175.9)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Bernie Vince Nic Newman Billy Longer Christian Petracca Anthony Miles Nic Newman       74 82.7 78.1 78.8 70.6 82.7

Matthew Broadbent Lachie Hunter Jordan Murdoch Lewis Jetta 68.9 82.3 70.6 70.3

Tyson Goldsack Jack Graham Tim O'Brien 67.8 81.5 60.4

Jarryn Geary Jared Polec Jarryd Blair       65.9 81.5 59.8

Comments: Look, this was a long time coming and we know that 2018 isn't going to be pleasant so I'm just going to go straight to the youth. Petracca, Hunter, Sicily, Graham, Longer, LDU, Weitering. There is something to work with there. The coach has already experienced premiership success but now it's time to invest in the kids and watch them develop. I have a feeling that big Billy will be captaining the side a few times this year.

[Torpedo10]

On 2017 averages, Docherty would've pushed us to 5th... :-[

[Nige]

I'd be stoked with 12th tbh.  :P

[Levi434]

Top work Adamant.

I think it would be cool if all coaches reasonably predicted their own players then we saw from there.

[meow meow]

My prediction? Pain.

[Purple 77]

An awesome read!

I feel like every year I do well in the predictions, but always fall short. Some luck would be appreciated, please.

[RaisyDaisy]

Fantastic work Ada!

I actually burst out in laughter to myself - you know you're in for a long year when Nic Newman is your M1 and Captain  ;D :P

[Holz]

152 im pretty happy with that.

especially with Jelly B.Crouch and Hill easily capable of adding 2-3 points to that.

hopefully i have a greenwood or Tmac on the bench aswell.

Balic and Holman would be my front runners for that

[GoLions]

11. Cape Town Cobras
2017 Average: 126
2018 Average: 136 (1355.7)

Defenders Midfielders Ruck Forwards Utilities CAPTAIN

Luke McDonald Mitch Duncan Toby Nankervis Tom Papley Touk Miller Mitch Duncan       83.9 109.8 88.8 82.1 76.3 109.8

Aaron Mullett Brad Ebert Lewis Taylor Darcy Lang 80.2 100.7 79.6 70.1

Jasper Pittard Ben Cunnington Alex Neal-Bullen 78.9 91.1 75.5

Callum Mills Mark Blicavs Kieren Jack       73.3 81.6 74

Comments: The Cobras have a nice mix of youth and experience, with some elite young talent on every line. The underperforming 2017 midfield of JPK, Prestia and Hunter has been renovated into Duncan, Ebert and Cunnington in the hope they will bring better fortunes to the engine room. The Cobras also have plenty of players looking to improve on their 2017 averages in McDonald, Mills, Blicavs, Jack, Touk and Lang. Should be one of the big improvers this year.

Lmac +5
Mullet +90
showertard +10
Mills +10

Duncan about the same
Ebert -5
Cunnington about the same
Blicavs +10

Nank +5
Paps +10
Squizz +5
ANB +5
Jack +10

Touk +15
Lang +10

Extra 180ppg, puts me at 1535ppg and the #1 team. Ez.

[Levi434]

Mullet +90

Sssshhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiioooowwweerrrrr

Looks like we have another lock for our SC teams!

[meow meow]

Lucky Griff isn't in the best XV because his + would be incomprehensible to most.

[Holz]

Lucky Griff isn't in the best XV because his + would be incomprehensible to most.

I agree

is it

+0
-0
+/- 0
or just 0

im struggling to deal with it

[Levi434]

Huge post coming soon!

[Levi434]

It shall be very eye-opening!