We'll seek to answer key questions about each club and select their best line-up. Today, Scott Spits gets the jump on the Kangaroos.
Club: Kangaroos
2006 ranking: 11th
1. With the focus on 'ready-to-go' recruits, is a premiership realistically on the horizon for the Kangaroos?
You wouldn't think so. The Roos seemingly over-achieved in 2005 by finishing fifth on the ladder, reflected by their 87-point elimination final defeat to Port Adelaide. The off-season acquisitions of Jonathan Hay, Jade Rawlings, Kasey Green and Daniel McConnell have improved their list, but they also lost Leigh Colbert (retired) and Daniel Motlop (traded to the Power). Realistically, the club would have to finish in the top four to have a genuine tilt at a flag, and that seems unlikely. However, the Shinboners have made a business of proving people wrong, and this article's assessment is sure to give them more motivation.
2. Is Daniel Wells ready to become an elite midfielder?
Yes. About to commence his fourth AFL season, the skilful 21-year-old midfielder has already shown enough talent in 62 matches for all to know he'll develop into one of the game's best players, particularly as a hard-running, creative type. He may need to improve his ability to secure the contested ball but, then again, receiving a handball and delivering the ball with his precision will remain his biggest asset. Wells was rated by some as the stand-out selection before the 2002 NAB AFL Draft, and his performances thus far have easily justified his position as the No.2 selection overall. At the moment he may not be on the same level as the top three picks in 2001 - Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Chris Judd - but he'll narrow the gap in the next few years.
3. Does Glenn Archer have enough in the tank to match his form of last season?
It's hard to tell. The AFL veteran is approaching 33 years of age and it would be a fantastic effort for him to match his 22 games and third-placed finish in the club's best-and-fairest last year. But as the official 'Shinboner of the Century', no-one can question his durability, love of the contest and ability to withstand pain. There's also the prospect of 300 matches on the horizon. Archer has played 274 matches in 14 years and he may play on for two more seasons at a high enough level to reach the magical milestone. Remarkably, Archer spent plenty of time in the middle during 2005 in a step away from his typical role as a courageous defender. Perhaps we will we see something similar in the Kangaroos structure this year.
4. Why we think the Kangaroos will finish 11th?
The afl.com.au team believes the Kangaroos will slip in 2006, falling out of the top eight. With a focus on securing 'ready-made' players during the off-season, there's an argument the Roos will maintain their position in the top half of the ladder, but it must be remembered that despite securing 13 wins in 2005, they had a percentage of less than 100 and were thrashed in their one and only final. There are too many talented teams vying for finals spots and not everyone can play in September. However, the Kangaroos are well used to people writing them off and they'll take this analysis in their stride.
5. Our best 22
B: Makepeace, Hay, Watt
HB: Archer, Brown, Sinclair
C: Wells, Harris, B.Rawlings
HF: Petrie, Thompson, Grant
F: Harding, Rocca, Co.Jones
FOLL: Hale, Simpson, Harvey
INTER: McIntosh, Green, Smith, Firrito
