IF
 
THEN
 
Adelaide
 
Richie Douglas doesn't return before round six...
… the Crows chances of finals will be massively reduced. Underrated gun, Douglas.
Brisbane Lions
 
we wind the clock back 10 years …… this footy club was about to play its first match after completing a third consecutive premiership. Absorb that slowly, then compare with today.
Carlton
 
and this could be the biggest "if" of 2014 given recent history, Jarrad Waite can play 18 matches… the Blues will finish top six.
Collingwood
 
you missed the way-premature call this column made last year about a guy at this club...… we'll repeat it here: Brodie Grundy
will be a great of the game by the time he's finished.
Essendon
 
there's one player in the AFL who deserves a crack at a substantial patch of freedom from injury …it is Jason Winderlich.
Fremantle
 
Nat Fyfe does what we think he's ready to do in 2014 …… he will be the competition's best player come late September. Maybe by a long way, too.
Geelong
 
Jimmy Bartel does indeed play as a permanent forward… he'll kick 50 goals for the season.
Gold Coast
 
Karmichael Hunt is playing AFL this time next year …… we will be very, very surprised.
Greater Western Sydney

 
Tom Scully fails to fire again in 2014 ...
... at least Melbourne fans will have something to be happy about.
Hawthorn
 
there has ever been an AFL person more driven than Clarko …… well, there hasn't. Won't be his fault if there's premiership hangover symptoms.
Melbourne
 
Paul Roos can't get one of Clark, Hogan or Dawes on the field inside the first three games …… he's not going to be too happy.
North MelbourneBen Cunnington continues his progress …… he'll be in the elite bracket of AFL midfielders by season's end. Might already be there.
Port Adelaide
 
Jared Polec becomes a star …… a lot of Brisbane Lions people need to ask a lot of questions. Of themselves.
Richmond
 
Jack Riewoldt kicks a bag on Saturday night, and is approached by the boundary rider post-match …
 
… it'll be interesting to see how his media ban plays out.
St Kilda
 
the Saints are winless from their opening two matches, against Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney ...… oh boy.
Sydney Swans
 
the Swans knew then what they know now about Kurt Tippett's knee problems… they may not have committed to such big money for him.
West Coast
 
the Eagles are switched on …… they'll quickly re-contract Nic Nat. Big offers are already in front of him.
Western BulldogsStewart Crameri spends more time in the midfield than he does in goalkicking range …… that would go against the reasoning in recruiting him.

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