Early 2009 uni season preview

Ok, so if I'm asked to sum up my predicted fortunes of each uni this year in 25 words or less...

West
UWA - Home-town Nationals gave their second string players a lot of valuable experience at the top level. Will be dangerous.

Murdoch - Relied too much on Ash Nair in 2008. Need two or three more to step up and be key players.


North
UQ - Women's development has come a long way in Queensland since 2007. Can the effect flow on to the Lovers? I remain skeptical.

QUT - Have developed a 'farm' system to rival UQ's. Reece Stewart is a huge gain. Expect improvement.

Griffith - Tom Tulett will be a massive boost for the club, both in skill and confidence. Early favourites for Div2 gold (if it goes ahead).


East
Sydney - Lost some core handlers. Should see it as an opportunity to bring in some B-teamers. Not as big a threat as last year.

UTS - Lot of hype on Ultitalk. Not sure why. Rach Grindlay is a great pickup, but they're not going to make the last eight.

ANU - Lack of prep killed them last year. A return to EUG will see improvement in time for AUG. Mid-table finish in October.

Newcastle - Have the lineup on paper to get bling. Will only happen if they're hungry enough for it.

UNSW - Revitalised by new blood. Might take time to find their legs on the big stage. Will miss quarters but 2010 should be different.

Macquarie - No longer the powerhouse they once were, but should still figure in the top eight. Depends on who they can convince to come.

CSU - New energy this year should see them back at the show. Potential to be Div2 medallists.


South
Flinders - Alec Deslandes and Erin Wallis are big losses. Joel Pillar needed for medal finish, otherwise will have to settle for top eight.

Adelaide - Lost Rian Dutch, Rich Klein and Steve Harfield, but still have the squad to challenge for a medal. Their girls are a significant strength.

Melbourne - Can get by without Chris Freise and John Liddicoat, but if they decide to come they'll be medal contenders, or top ten without.

Monash - Lost Owen Shepherd. Very strong farm system. Medal contenders, but lack the strong, cohesive leadership that Booboo and O-Shep provided in the past.

Latrobe - Lost Lachie McDonald, Jenica Villamor and possibly Jen Payne. Will struggle to match last year's 9th place.

Ballarat - Gained Dan Rule, Macca and Timill. Second string stronger than ever. May also get some mid-year starters. Will be the big improvers of '09.

Deakin - Virtually the same lineup as last year, with a couple of additions. Probably won't replicate last year's 10th place.

RMIT - Still on the recruitment drive. Need more numbers to make Gold Coast a reality.



Early days yet, so I'll review following the Eastern and Southern Uni Games in early July.

For some bonus material, here's a few players to keep an eye on this year...

Reece Stewart (QUT) - Has had a pretty successful year so far. A trip to Nationals with Firestorm, and a win at Eastern Youth Championships. Will be captaining QUT in his first AUG outing.

Nathan Wong and Rory Connell (Macquarie) - Started out as rookies last year and have quickly evolved into target players. Both were outstanding for Fakulti at Nationals, and will be leading Mac into battle at AUG.

Pete Nixon (Melbourne) and Shane Ausselbrook (Deakin) - The first Geelong players to enter the uni scene. Both are ridiculously good for "rookies".

Fiona McDonald (Sydney) - Didn't make the cut for SUUFA last year, but with a National title to her name she can book her flights to Coolongatta right now.


Indignation and outrage can be expressed here. Have a nice day.