R4 - Gold Coast V Port

Big win in the Showdown last week, but gee how about this draw to start the year?

Melbourne, GWS, Adelaide, GC. Apart from the Showdown it doesn't get much easier than that.

They are definitely a team on the rise, but until they navigate a good solid month's worth of decent challengers it is still difficult to get a true reading on where they are at. Definitely looking like at least a 'bottom half of top 8' side at the moment though.

Regardless, all involved with the club should be very pleased with how things are tracking so far this year, and while I expect the Coasters to give them a challenge early, Port should get over the line relatively easily this weekend.

Their draw is blatant cheating by the AFL! Disgusting!

Bit like Collingwood's.
And Eddie Everywhere still sees fit to complain about it!

Regardless of the draw, they still have to beat the other team on the day. They are significantly better then last year and good on them for it. Much as I hate Port, you have to admit they have done all they have to so far.

Need to beat GC to consolidate their start. which I think they will easily.

Not sure about the draw comment GN.

We finished 14th last year and have played 15th, 18th, 4th and 17th.

Did you want them to start us against 3 top 8 sides?

The draw has been made look "soft" by our impressive pre-season form and a turn around in our performances since 2012. On our mid-2012 form we would be lucky to have won one of our first four, it now is increasingly likely we will/should win all 4.

Dont worry, it gets tough for us after this week.

Just regurgitating all the 'soft draw' comments that got thrown at Adelaide fans last year.

In all seriousness though that draw gives you a chance to build some great momentum and confidence to go into the whole year (as we are seeing).

I'm not pointing it out as a whinge about unfairness or anything, not my intention.

being basically a young team perhaps mentally Port could slip up after their big win last week

Gold Coast will win. Port aren't as good as everyone is talking about - there will be a massive let down in intensity from the showdown. Put a bet on if you can - Carn the Suns!!!!