It is the time of year for AFL predictions and they’re starting to fly in thick and fast.
Leading analyst David King has done the work this pre-season and has already come up with 6 locks for his Top 8.
But there is one team who some pundits believe will bounce back in 2024 that King has not entertained.
Geelong, who won the 2022 premiership in dominant fashion, fell away to finish 12th in 2023 and that’s where they’ll be again this year according to King.
Aside from his six locks, King named a block of seven clubs he’s completely unsure about.
The Cats did not feature in either grouping, indicating King might have them sitting below 13th on his predicted ladder in 2024.
“I don’t have them playing finals,” King said on SEN Breakfast.
“I’ve put a line (though them). They could finish in the 13, but my point is that I’ve still got to choose two of those seven to finish my eight.”
Co-host Kane Cornes asked: “So Geelong are not even in contention?”
King replied: “Not in my eyes.
“I’ve left out totally Geelong, West Coast, Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Richmond.
“I might be wrong with all of that, but I can’t get any closer than that.”
King then turned the question onto Cornes: “Do you think Geelong will play finals?”
Cornes replied: “Yeah, I think they’re a good shot to play finals.
“But then if I say that then someone will go, ‘well, who are you going to leave out?’.
“It’s a pretty good team that you’ll have to leave out.”
The Cats beat Carlton in a practice match at Ikon Park on Wednesday, but saw key midfielder Cam Guthrie succumb to an early quad injury.
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They next take on Essendon at GMHBA Stadium in the AAMI Community Series on Friday, March 1 before kicking off the season proper against St Kilda at home on March 16.
